Posted 7:04 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2016
Student organizes fundraiser to get La Crosse Police K9’s new ballistic vests.
Jenna Goulet often finds herself missing her dogs, just like many other UWL students. The freshman has three at home who have “really become part of our family,” she says.
They were her inspiration when her 'Communicating Effectively’ course assigned her to present a persuasive speech. Goulet decided to attempt to convince her class to help fund new ballistic vests for the La Crosse Police Department K9 Unit.
Over the last 5 years, an average of 19 K9’s were killed in the line of duty, says La Crosse Sgt. Jon Wenger. “If the K9’s are wearing their protective vests, than the risk of injury or death is greatly reduced.”
“I hear so many sad stories of dogs sacrificing themselves for their partners,” says Goulet. “In fact, one did just that days before I gave my speech.”
Goulet originally planned to set up a GoFundMe page, which is an online fundraiser tool, to collect money, but after talking to the police department, she decided to go one step further. She is organizing ‘Coins for Canines,’ a one day event at Valley View Mall and Texas Roadhouse.
“The vests cost about $1,200 each,” says Goulet. “But when you think that just getting and training the dog costs around $18,000, not including day-to-day life, it really puts the cost in perspective.”
Volunteers from campus and the police department will be out with dog bowls collecting money at those locations out from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 23. She is still looking for volunteers to help. Anyone who donates will be entered into a raffle for prizes, including a gift card to Valley View Mall.
“Our K9 unit is funded by donations, including the majority of training costs, food and health care, for example, so having a member of the La Crosse Community come to you indicating she wants to raise money for the K9 unit is a nice, welcome gesture,” says Sgt. Wenger. “I was really impressed with Jenna’s thought and generosity.”
Goulet is hoping to raise enough money to buy three new vests: two to replace vests out of their lifespans and another for a new K9 joining the force later this year.
“Hopefully it’ll be a success and we can get some vests,” says Goulet.
Goulet originally planned to set up a GoFundMe page, which is an online fundraiser tool, to collect money, but after talking to the police department, she decided to go one step further. She is organizing ‘Coins for Canines,’ a one day event at Valley View Mall and Texas Roadhouse.
“The vests cost about $1,200 each,” says Goulet. “But when you think that just getting and training the dog costs around $18,000, not including day-to-day life, it really puts the cost in perspective.”
Volunteers from campus and the police department will be out with dog bowls collecting money at those locations out from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 23. She is still looking for volunteers to help. Anyone who donates will be entered into a raffle for prizes, including a gift card to Valley View Mall.
“Our K9 unit is funded by donations, including the majority of training costs, food and health care, for example, so having a member of the La Crosse Community come to you indicating she wants to raise money for the K9 unit is a nice, welcome gesture,” says Sgt. Wenger. “I was really impressed with Jenna’s thought and generosity.”
Goulet is hoping to raise enough money to buy three new vests: two to replace vests out of their lifespans and another for a new K9 joining the force later this year.
“Hopefully it’ll be a success and we can get some vests,” says Goulet.