Western NY Paws for Prevention
Join us on May 1, 2021
Register Now Donate
"Pets understand humans better than humans do." - Ruchi Prabhu
According to research conducted by the Human-Animal Bond Research Institute, "...human-animal interactions can reduce anxiety and depression and help protect against a variety of other negative feelings and emotions. Positive human-animal interactions appear to be related to changes in physiological variables in both humans and animals, such as reduced heart rate and blood pressure. Research has demonstrated an association between pet ownership and enhanced social support, emotional well-being and general well-being. Pet ownership has also been found to play a role in helping people manage long-term mental health conditions."
Bottom Line?
We are celebrating our beloved pets until the end of May/Mental Health Month by raising awareness and funds for the Western NY Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention!
Step 1: Register here as an Individual, Team Captain, or Team Member, and then upload your best photo of your pet(s) below for a chance to win cool prizes!
*Only 1 photo entry per participant. Just click the + sign in the bottom right corner to add your photo! No pet? No worries! You are still eligible to win prizes simply by being one of the top 4 fundraisers!
Step 2: Share your page link and ask family and friends to support you by making a donation.
Need ideas or instructions on how to get the word out? Click >HERE<.
***Need help hyping up your pet for the contest? Local children's book author and AFSP volunteer Sarah Klaiber can help you craft your pet's so they can put their best paw (claw, fin, or tail) forward and rise more funds for AFSP Western NY! Email Sarah HERE to get started.***
Every $1 donated is equal to 1 vote for your pet!
Our top fundraisers/pets will win some fur-tastic prizes:
- Pet themed basket ($200 value) - donated in memory of James Rodgers
- PetSmart $100 gift card
- Raised Food and Water Station
- Treat jar and treats
- Pet Wipes
- Leash and collar
- Doggie bags and containers
- Dog wash, grooming glove and towel
- Dog bed
- Water dispenser
- Pet Travel set
- pet mess kit
- pet bowl mat
- seat cover
- Custom oil painting portrait of your pet
- Professional photography session for your pet from Tailor Mayde Photography
- A $100 Wegmans gift card
- An AFSP apparel gift bag (approx $100 value)
*Everyone who registers and raises $25 will receive an AFSP Pet Bandana.
*Any individual participant who raises $100 or more will receive a Western NY Paws for Prevention t-shirt.
But it isn't just about a photo contest.
Our Western NY Chapter has set a goal of logging 47,511 minutes (792 hours) of activities between May 1 and May 31 to honor every American lost to suicide in 2019.
Moving our bodies, even for just 15 minutes a day, can be a protective factor when it comes to decreasing our risk for suicide. Help us achieve our goal by using the simple Activity Tracker on your Donor Drive page during the month of May to track how many minutes you and your four legged friends walk, jog, play fetch, do yoga, hike, run, or even spend time snuggling! Your mind and body will thank you (and so will your furry friends).There will be a very cool AFSP swag package for the human/pet duo that logs the most minutes! The Activity Tracker is easy to use! Once registered, click the Activity Tracker icon at the top of your page, then click the + sign to add your activity and minutes!
**Coming April 22nd: an exclusive fundraising shirt design from 26 Shirts!**
Resources for Those Who Love and Work With Animals
Our Chapter now offers Talk Saves Lives for the Workplace, which is a great 45 minute introduction to suicide prevention to bring to your office, veterinary clinic, etc. Learn about the science behind suicide, risk factors and warnings signs, as well as how to reach out and ask for help or support someone in crisis. Thanks to generous donations, the AFSP Western Chapter can offer this presentation at no cost to anyone interested. Schedule your presentation today by contacting mstolfi@afsp.org.
After a Suicide: A Guide for Veterinary Workplaces
After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Colleges of Veterinary Medicine
Banfield Pet Hospital: Assess, Support, Know
Facts About Mental Health and Suicide Among Veterinarians
Would you like to donate a prize? Volunteer? Be a Sponsor? Ask a question? Request resources? We want to hear from you!
Contact Missy Stolfi at mstolfi@afsp.org or (585) 202-2783.
