PayCargo is now a Lifetime Graduate Sponsor supporting disabled veterans and first responders with life-changing service dogs
PayCargo, the leading payments network for the global supply chain industry, has become a Lifetime Graduate Sponsor of veteran and first responder non-profit America’s VetDogs.
America’s VetDogs pairs highly-trained service and guides dogs with veterans and first responders who have been physically injured are suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or are experiencing vision loss or seizures.
As a Lifetime Graduate Sponsor, PayCargo’s support will go towards long-term aftercare for a veteran and their service dog after their graduation from the VetDogs training program, including staff follow-ups, continued support development, and funding for field service representatives.
“As a veteran myself, this charity is close to my heart and the VetDogs’ team provides renewed freedoms and independence for those who have sacrificed a lot for the betterment of society,” said Lionel van der Walt, President and CEO Americas at PayCargo.
“It is vitally important that we give back to our communities and support charities such as America’s VetDogs, to thank those that have sacrificed so much to protect the rest of us.”
“To give back and progress the quality of life for others is a duty we take very seriously, and we encourage all businesses to look outwards and provide backing for worthy causes such as America’s VetDogs.”
In 2020, despite the Pandemic, America’s VetDogs matched and safely placed over 60 dogs to serve veterans and first responders, and placed one facility dog who impacts hundreds of veterans throughout the year via different outreach programs.
“It costs over USD50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place a single assistance dog with a person in need, however, there is never a cost to the recipient,” said Jennifer Gisler, Chief Growth Officer at America’s VetDogs.
“PayCargo’s generous gift in support of our Lifetime Graduate Support sponsorship will be invaluable. “Gifts such as this, help us further our mission to provide highly trained service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities to once again live a life without boundaries.”
All funding for VetDogs is provided by individuals, foundations, businesses, and community groups.
Veterans and first responders attend a two-week in-residence training program with America’s VetDogs to learn to handle and bond with their service dog through the guidance and training of certified service dog instructors.
Lionel served five years in the South African Air Force prior to starting his career in the aviation industry.
