Gwen Crump is celebrating her upcoming 80th birthday with a unique offering.
The soon-to-be octogenarian plans to swim 80 lengths of the Midland YMCA pool next Friday to raise money for a cause close to her heart.
“For years, I have been privileged to witness priceless gifts given to the aged, the sick and afflicted of our communities,” Crump says.
According to Crump, her involvement with Therapeutic Paws of Canada (TPOC) has opened her eyes to the miracles that pets and their handlers bestow on people of all ages in hospitals, seniors' homes, long-term-care facilities and schools.
“The unconditional and nonjudgmental love these pets impart to people brings extraordinary results,” says Crump, who regularly visits patients at Orillia Soldiers' Memorial Hospital with her dog Hoagie.
“Children that struggle are able to build reading skills, when their efforts are enthusiastically appreciated with wagging tails and sometimes even kisses. These pets ease pain, lower blood pressure, relieve anxiety and depression, and even provide peace to those in palliative care.”
Crump says that people respond so readily to the comfort of petting and talking with a furry, four-legged friend.
“But behind the scenes, these priceless gifts do come at a monetary cost. Like all charities who are in the business of miracles, TPOC needs donations to help make the miraculous possible.”
Crump says that every donation received from her two-kilometre swim support TPOC helps to further bring healing to people in need of the friendship of a tail-wagging, happy furry friend.
"Help support our teams to continue their wonderful work in pet therapy," she adds. "Your donations will help our dogs and handlers spread cheer, unconditional love to the people in our hospitals, courts (victims of crime), seniors homes, long-term-care residents and schools."
Bob Birkett is a TPOC team leader and evaluator in Midland, who regularly helps prepare teams of pets and their parents to begin offering therapeutic visits to local facilities.
"Your support and encouragement would help to encourage Gwen and support our visiting dogs/cats in the future," Birkett says. "Because someday, we all will need a visit."
Therapeutic Paws of Canada is a registered charity offering free therapy pet visitations. Currently more than 500 volunteers across Canada donate more than 100,000 hours of time annually to the various programs offered. It all began with Judy Sauvé and a team of six volunteers in Hawkesbury in 2002.
To contribute to Crump’s Jan. 17 swimming fundraiser, send an e-transfer or note to [email protected].
To learn more about TPOC activities in the Midland area, email Birkett at [email protected]. For the Orillia area, email Crump at [email protected].
