The P.A.T.C.H. Challenge

Dogs have a way of making us feel good. Little Patch fulfilled this role and then some.

Patch was adopted by local businessman and fellow dog-lover, Frank Apa. Patch’s sweet, outgoing and charismatic nature quickly won the hearts of Frank and his team at Lexus of Oakville. Patch became the official ambassador of the dealership lifting people’s spirits and bringing smiles to everyone he met.

When Patch passed away in 2001, the PATCH Program was created in partnership with OMHS to honour his important legacy of kindness. The PATCH Program teaches children and youth about animals, fostering a community of care and compassion and the positive impact of kindness in our world today. To date, the Patch Program has raised over $333,000 and helped to create a kind, humane community.

This year, Lexus of Oakville will team up again with OMHS for the Patch Challenge in June with a goal of raising $25,000 to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Patch Challenge and support education, awareness and to help the animals.

Make a donation

Nominate a Child

The Patch Challenge, born from the Patch Program, takes place each year. Since 2001, Patch’s kindness initiative has raised funds through the sale of each car at Lexus of Oakville in support of the Oakville & Milton Humane Society.

Each year the OMHS and Lexus of Oakville reward a child with the Patch Challenge Award for their demonstration of kindness in our community in honour of Patch. It is a special tribute to the special black and white dog who brought out these qualities in everyone he encountered. Congratulations to the 2024 Patch Challenge Award winners Max and Jack Lawton (pictured below)!

Pictured are Mike Mahaffy of Lexus of Oakville, Clayton Shold, Jeff Vallentin, and Jack and Max Lawton.

Oakville & Milton Humane Society is very grateful for the support from Frank Apa and Lexus of Oakville.

You can help kids in our communities learn more about kindness to animals by making a donation to the Patch initiative or nominating a child for the Patch Challenge award at any time throughout the year.

Make a donation

Nominate a Child

Take The P.A.T.C.H. Challenge as part of your school’s humane education program

Learn why People & Animals Together Create Harmony

The P.A.T.C.H. Challenge program compliments the Ontario curriculum and delivers the following learning expectations for primary students:

Effective communication
Making sense of simple written materials
Listening to stories and poetry
Sorting and classifying objects
Counting
Demonstrating curiosity and care for the natural world
Demonstrating an awareness of health and safety practices
Demonstrating a positive attitude towards themselves and others

Preschool Challenge

Ages: 3-4 years old

Presentation: Approximately 30 minutes

Our programs for preschool children are interactive and fun. Children will learn about responsible pet ownership, safety around animals, and lending a helping hand. A small animal is brought to the school for the children to interact with.

Primary School Children

Ages: 5-13 years old

Presentation: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour

Children will learn about responsible pet ownership, safety around animals, and lending a helping hand. A small animal is brought to the school for the children to interact with.

Secondary School Children

Ages: 13-18 years old

Presentation: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour

Our programs follow the Ontario curriculum. Topics include: animal appreciation, responsible pet ownership, wildlife and habitats, pet overpopulation, animal cruelty, animal rights and the law, and much more. We can also design a presentation to suit your needs. You can also request that an animal come to class for the students to interact with.