Sometimes, the goodness and kindness that's shown by animals can really inspire we humans.  

Take Jake, the Airdrie and District Victim's Assistance Society's trauma dog.  Jake has lived in Airdrie for just a year now but he's already helped countless people who have had to testify in court, been victims of domestic violence or who have been traumatized in some other way.  ADVAS believes Jake is so inspiring, they're hoping you'll become like him by helping others in the community.

The Be Like Jake campaign is a community initiative that hopes to shed a light on some of the good things and positivity that has gone on, and is continuing to do so, through this very trying year.  Fund Development Coordinator with ADVAS Conor Tapp says Jake is the inspiration for the campaign.

"Jake has been living in our community for a year now and he's gotten a chance to meet a lot of his neighbours and made some great friends and we wanted to recognize the places and spaces and the people who inspire Jake and help him do his work, but also follow along with Jake as he's doing his work at the courthouse and in the community and at the detachment."

According to Tapp, Jake is a dog who chose his own path in life.  You might hear that and think, 'how is that possible?'  "Many dogs go into these programs, Tapp says, "and there are some of them that will latch on to these programs and really do well and Jake is one of the pups who chose his path, he excelled in it and he enjoys his work getting up and serving our community members every day."

That's what the Be Like Jake campaign is all about says Tapp.  ADVAS is inviting everyone to do something great for someone near them.  "That can be something as simple as checking in on your neighbour, phoning up a senior or family member you haven't talked to in a while, or making a donation to a charity, including ADVAS."  

Once you do your good deeds, ADVAS wants to hear about them on their Facebook page or via email at conor@advas.ca.  Tell them about yourself or someone else, a community member or business who is doing good for the community.  You could receive a shout-out from ADVAS, or even from Jake on the ADVAS social media platforms.  You can also follow along with Jake`s exploits in the community as he travels in his trademark red vest.  A few times each week they`ll be posting about where Jake is also doing good in Airdrie. 

The Be Like Jake campaign will lead into November and the start of ADVAS`second annual 1:1 fundraising campaign.  Tapp says the first year of 1:1 was a great success in showing the community what ADVAS actually does.  More details on the campaign will be released in late October.

Despite the trials the pandemic has put before them, ADVAS has been just as busy as ever.  With the support of the United Way and the Airdrie and District Community Foundation, ADVAS was able to quickly to get their teams working from remote locations helping people.  Tapp says they are thankful that there wasn`t a single day through the pandemic that ADVAS teams weren`t working.  "The world didn't stop through the pandemic, and neither did we," he says.  "We have continued to serve the community and we will continue to do so as we have done since our inception." 

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