Applying a fresh coat of paint to a well-worn fundraising method is destined to pay a huge dividend for the Peterborough Humane Society.
Shelter Shots, a 2018 calendar featuring portrait photographs of many past and some current professional hockey players posing with their rescue dogs or cats, is available now with every penny of the $20 cost of each calendar going to the Humane Society in support of rescue efforts.
On Tuesday (September 26) at Ricky’s All Day Grill, Susan Dunkley, Manager of Development and Outreach for the Humane Society, unveiled Shelter Shots with the help of two of the calendar’s featured personalities: retired Chicago Blackhawks forward and two-time Stanley Cup champion Bryan Bickell and TSN anchor Dan O’Toole of SportsCentre with Jay and Dan fame.
“I’ve had pets all my life, growing up on a farm, and they’ve always been from the Humane Society,” said O’Toole, who graces the January page with his cat Vira, who was rescued from a shelter in Oregon by his girlfriend Erin. The photograph was taken by Mike Taylor, one of several photographers who donated their time and talent to the fundraising calendar.
Vira, according to O’Toole, is “a perfect example of what the Humane Society is around for. The photographer can attest to the fact a lot of people were almost harmed doing this. There were 12 people in the house and this cat is skittish to say the least. This was her one moment of calm that we captured.”
Bickell, meanwhile, posed for February with Bailey, a pit bull rescued 12 years ago “from a bad situation”, in a photograph taken by Peter Nguyen. Bickell’s involvement is an extension of the ongoing work of the Chicago-based Bryan and Amanda Bickell Foundation which helps rescue abused pit bulls.
“I’ve had the luxury of being an athlete and being in the spotlight,” said Bickell of lending his fame to the cause. “My dog is a bit misunderstood because it’s a pit bull breed. She’s great with our kids, a three year old and one year old. She’s a protector, she watches out for them … like a nanny but in dog form.”
Along with O’Toole and Bickell, also featured in Shelter Shots are:
- Corey Perry of the Anaheim Ducks with his dogs Ace and Max.
- Kevin Kaminski of the Washington Capitals with his dog Lady.
- Matt Duchene of the Colorado Avalanche with his dog Paisley.
- Korean professional hockey player Mike Swift with his dogs Leila and Lexi.
- Justin Williams of the Carolina Hurricanes with his dog Drago.
- NHL alumni Walt McKechnie, Ron Stackhouse, and Bernie Nicholls with dogs Boots and Stanley.
- retired NHL player Kurtis Foster with four Humane Society kittens.
- Tanner Pearson of the Los Angeles Kings with his dog Emma.
- St. Louis Blues prospect Vince Dunn with his dog Rocky.
- Toronto Maple Leaf goaltending legend Johnny Bower with Jasper, photographer Peter Nguyen’s rescue dog.
Besides Nguyen and Taylor, other photographers who donated their time and talent to the cause were Eleanor Dobbins, Brandon Eskra, Todd Gimblett, Illona Haus, Rob McKnight, Jessica Melnik, Bryan Reid, and Amanda Rowden.
“All the photos are very powerful in terms of the love these strong men are showing their creatures,” enthused Dunkley, noting 1,300 calendars are available for sale — a potential $26,000 windfall to support the Peterborough Humane Society’s rescue efforts.
Dunkley added that the generosity of project sponsors Pet Supply Warehouse, Connor Windows, and Ricky’s All Day Grill covered all production and related costs, meaning all proceeds from each sale will go the society.
In addition, other businesses and organization purchased placement on certain days of certain months, bringing in yet another revenue stream for the project.
“These aren’t just incredible athletes and sports figures who bring so much joy into our hearts and homes,” said Peterborough Humane Society Executive Director Andrew Fraser in a prepared statement. “These are inspiring heroes who have lent their time to and celebrity to generate the lifesaving funds and second chances at life our PHS animals so much deserves.”
Speaking to the involvement of hockey players, Dunkley explains her husband Darryl Porter’s network — he was a scout for the Los Angeles Kings who was earlier drafted as player but blew out his knee — made that decision a no-brainer.
“He has all these connections, so he reached out to guys,” said Dunkley, noting paper calendars are still popular with many people. “I like the calendar on my phone, but my eyes are old. It’s hard to see the whole month.”
Looking ahead, she says models and their pets are lined up for six months of a planned 2019 calendar. But for now, the focus is on the inaugural edition of Shelter Shots with the hope it will sell out.
“Just in time for Christmas, you’d think I knew what I was doing,” laughed Dunkley.
The Shelter Shots fundraising calendar costs $20 and can be purchased in Peterborough at the Peterborough Humane Society (385 Lansdowne Street East), Pet Supply Warehouse (621 The Parkway), and Sherbrooke Heights Animal Hospital (1625 Sherbrooke St. W.). You can also purchase a calendar online at www.peterboroughhumanesociety.ca.
