Disabled combat veteran Jim Foley has been waiting at least a year for a service dog to help manage his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. With help from the Brockton and Easton communities and beyond, he has raised nearly $18,000 to train and adopt a dog. To move forward, he needed to raise $25,000. Foley talked about fundraising with JM Pet Resort owner Jeni Mather, who put him in contact with a firefighter who brought his dog there. The department was hosting a charity softball game against the Police Department and Foley became the person they supported. That match took place in August at Campanelli Stadium and raised about $1,000 total from ticket sales and a matched amount from the owner of the Brockton Rox baseball team. Fifth-graders at Easton’s Richardson-Olmstead Elementary, where Mather’s daughter attends, held a change drive and raised about $3,000 for Foley, which helped meet his fundraising goal. Students presented him with a large check during a Veterans Day assembly. Foley remembers having tears in his eyes and feeling blown away. Other veterans, local businesses and members of the community also contributed. “My whole perspective completed changed,” Foley said about the fundraising effort. “My thinking now is that most people are inherently good and care.”
“We are beyond thrilled that Jim Foley has reached his fundraising goal to receive an E.C.A.D Service Dog. We are honored to have been able to play a part in his journey. It was an inspiring and fulfilling process for all involved (children and adults). He is a true hero and deserves all the love and wet kisses that his new support dog will give. Congratulations Jim... we can’t wait to see your new fur-friend!!!” - Jeni Dwyer Mather
To read the full story,
https://www.enterprisenews.com/news/20200226/easton-veteran-to-get-service-dog-to-get-him-through-all-highs-and-lows?fbclid=IwAR0m8pMqhjLhw-WMuH55hQbLgr1mfTO5AhFdkKSeRCT7vtjhMUBgT-APkvs