TBC Corp., one of North America’s largest marketers of automotive replacement tires, and Valvoline teamed up in recognition of Veterans Awareness Month in November by donating $60,000 to K9s For Warriors. K9s For Warriors is a 501(c) 3 organization dedicated to providing service canines to veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disability, traumatic brain injury and/or other military trauma incurred from military service post 9/11.
“At TBC Corp., we have a strong desire to positively impact the communities we serve,” said Erik Olsen, TBC Corp.’s president, CEO and chairman of the board. “It is our honor to give back to the veterans who give so much to our country in partnership with Valvoline.”
A $60,000 donation covers the cost of a three-week training program for three veterans and three canines; this includes room and board at Camp K9, a state-of-the art training center and warrior housing facility, training outings and all equipment necessary for training purposes. The program includes 120 hours of training with certified trainers, housing, meals, veterinarian care, equipment and peer-to-peer support at no cost to the veteran.
“Valvoline is proud to partner with TBC Corp. and K9s For Warriors to make a difference in the lives of our veterans,” said Samuel Mitchell, president, Valvoline. “We’re excited about the opportunities that veterans and their service canines will have as a result of their training.”
Since inception in 2011, nearly 200 veterans and service canine teams have graduated the K9s For Warriors training program with 100 percent success rate in suicide prevention.
“A staggering number of veterans returning from combat suffer from PTSD – the invisible wounds of war,” said Shari Duval, president and founder, K9s For Warriors. “To date, we’ve been able to help nearly 200 military heroes by pairing them with a service dog that has been trained for their specific needs. We are so grateful for this funding from TBC and Valvoline; it will help our organization continue to empower these veterans to return to civilian life with dignity and independence.”
