Mountain America and the Utah Jazz "Pass it Along" to Canines With a Cause to Support Veterans
Mountain America Credit Union and the Utah Jazz are pleased to announce Canines With a Cause as this season’s final recipient of a $5,000 “Pass it Along” donation.
The National Center for Health Research estimates that 17% of living U.S. veterans who served in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars have Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), 10–20% have experienced a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and 35% may develop PTSD over time.
Canines With a Cause is a dog training program that pairs veterans suffering from PTSD and TBI with animal companions. By providing well-trained companions, Canines With a Cause enables veterans to overcome psychological disabilities and gain independence.
“Canines With a Cause is honored to be recognized for our service to Utah Veterans and the dogs who support them,” says Cathy King, executive director at Canines With a Cause. “We would like to thank Mountain America Credit Union, the Utah Jazz and all of our supporters in the community.”
During the Utah Jazz vs. San Antonio Spurs game on May 3, Sterling Nielsen, president and chief executive officer at Mountain America Credit Union, presented a $5,000 check to Canines With a Cause.
“Mountain America is pleased to help veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries on the path towards healing and growth,” says Nielsen. “By providing well-trained service dogs, Canines With a Cause helps veterans overcome significant emotional and physical challenges, giving them the support and confidence needed to move forward.”
This season, Mountain America awarded five local charitable organizations with a $5,000 donation and recognition during a Jazz television broadcast. Since its inception in 2013, the Pass it Along program has awarded more than $200,000 to over 40 deserving local charities throughout Utah. Previous recipients this season include Dyslexia Center of Utah, YWCA Utah, Wasatch Adaptive Sports and Utah Girls Love You.
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