Gorilla Doctors would like to thank Peterborough West Animal Hospital in Ontario, Canada, who recently hosted a fundraiser to support our work to conserve eastern gorillas in central Africa. The Peterborough West Animal Hospital has hosted a fundraiser every year since 2008. After taking a brief break in 2013, the hospital staff geared up to host the biggest fundraiser yet this year.

Dr. Scott Sargent, veterinarian and owner of Peterborough West, is a personal friend of Gorilla Doctors Director Dr. Mike Cranfield. The veterinarians met on Dr. Sargent’s family dairy farm southwest of Peterborough and have remained friends through the years. Dr. Sargent and his wife Tish are dedicated supporters of the work of Gorilla Doctors.

Peterborough West Animal Hospital. http://peterboroughvets.ca/

“The fundraiser is always a family fun event where clients, the general public and their furry friends come together in our dog friendly, park-like environment” said Hospital Manager Cheryl Vandal. “The members of the team here at the hospital made donations to the bake sale and assisted in the success of the day.  From the face-painting and bouncy castle for the children, to the live reptile display from the local Peterborough “Riverview Park and Zoo”, to the dog training expert, the varied attractions kept everyone entertained.”

The fundraiser cake, featuring a mountain gorilla!

“Staff, family members, and fundraiser attendees donated homemade baked goodies for the bake sale – this has always been a favorite! We also had a great barbecue and ice cold drinks that could be bought with a small donation. Thanks to many of the veterinary drug representatives and businesses in the community that the hospital works with on a daily basis, many generous gift donations were provided for the fundraiser.  The team put together approximately a dozen baskets with the donated gifts and our guests purchased tickets to win the ones they liked best. A 50/50 draw was also very popular and helped add to our fundraising total.”

The bake sale and gift basket silent auction at the fundraiser.

This year, Peterborough West raised just over $1,700 and hosted approximately 100 guests at the event. We would like to extend our thanks to everyone that participated in and attended the annual Gorilla Doctors fundraising event, and we hope to see everyone (and then some) again next year!