Submitted by Humane Society of Southwest Washington
Ray Hickey was a patriotic man who cared about his country and community. His legacy continues to improve lives and warm hearts through the Ray Hickey Foundation, which provided a grant to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington for free pet adoptions to active duty service members and veterans. Launching on Veterans Day (Saturday, November 11) and continuing through November, the program is called “He Cared. We Care.”
“Our foundation values the commitment and sacrifices of our service members, and this is a special way to show them our support.” says Linda Rae Hickey, daughter of Ray Hickey and Director/Trustee of the Ray Hickey Foundation. “We want to provide our service members with an easier path to adopt a loving companion.”
President of HSSW Stacey Graham says that the “He Cared. We Care” program offers tremendous benefits. “Pet ownership will enrich the lives of our service members in so many ways, and this program will provide these wonderful animals with a safe and welcoming home,” Graham notes. “We are so grateful that the Ray Hickey Foundation is inspiring service members to find a new best friend in November.”
Pets adopted from HSSW include microchip identifications, spay or neuter surgery, select vaccinations, and come with a free veterinary exam at a local participating veterinarian. The grant does not include licensing, leashes or other animal-related products. To learn more about adopting dogs and cats at HSSW, go to https://southwesthumane.org/adopt. Military identification is required at the time of adoption.
In addition to free adoptions for active service members and veterans during November, “He Cared We Care” will waive HSSW adoption fees on Memorial Day weekend, Fourth of July weekend and Labor Day weekend. The new program also provides 25% off adoptions for active and ex-service members throughout 2018.
About The Ray Hickey Foundation
The Ray Hickey Foundation was formed in 1999. The charitable foundation emphasizes access to programs and services for community members within five main focus areas: health care and research; K-12 education; critical human services; youth recreation; and environmental conservation. The organization’s founder, Ray Hickey, was a WWII veteran and the foundation places a priority on programs that target the country’s extraordinary service members.
