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 $283,857.05 and helped to create a kind, humane community.
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.
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.
Have you witnessed a Random Act of Kindness (RAK) in action? We want to hear about it. Share it with us and we’ll post it on this page!
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.