Strategy January 31, 2024
The Bright Side: Logomark Empowers Shelter to Soldier to Pair Service Dog With Military Veteran
It’s part of an ongoing do-gooding initiative from the Top 40 supplier in which it funds the rescue and training of a service canine.
Trooper is a graduate, and he’s already making a difference in the life of a U.S. military veteran.
And that’s thanks to Top 40 supplier Logomark (asi/67866).
The Tustin, CA-based firm dedicates a portion of money from sales of its iCool, Perka and Work lines to Shelter to Soldier, a nonprofit founded in 2012 whose mission includes adopting dogs from southern California rescue organizations and shelters and training them to become psychiatric service dogs for post-9/11 active duty and military veterans.
Through the Logomark funding, Shelter to Soldier was able to rescue and train Trooper, a male black Labrador mix. The nonprofit then paired the adorable, good-hearted pooch with Laurie, a distinguished U.S. Army veteran.
The former military police officer, who served in Germany, wanted a canine companion that could provide a calming presence while matching her active lifestyle. She found just that in Trooper.
“Trooper has an affectionate and calm demeanor and quickly became a standout participant in our training program,” said Kyrie Bloem, co-founder of Shelter to Soldier. “The connection between Laurie and Trooper was instantaneous from the moment their training journey together began.”
Trooper officially graduated training in December. Logomark President Clive Goldberg was in attendance (with Laurie) to celebrate the achievement.
“Logomark is honored to have played a role in facilitating such a meaningful connection and wishes Laurie and Trooper a lifetime of joy and companionship,” Goldberg said.
“Trooper has an affectionate and calm demeanor and quickly became a standout participant in our training program.” Kyrie Bloem, Shelter to Solider
The supplier’s support goes directly to help fund Shelter to Soldier’s Red Star Sponsorship program, covering the cost of housing, training and caring for the service dog trainee throughout a 12- to 18-month program. Red Star also matches the dog with a veteran in need, providing one-on-one handler training for the matched team and helping them graduate as a service dog and veteran handler.
Overall, Logomark said it has been involved with five such adoptions, including two other recent sponsorships. Max, a 1-year old shepherd adopted from Wags & Walks rescue in Los Angeles, has recently begun handler training with U.S. Navy veteran Shaneka. The Shelter to Soldier team is currently searching for an ideal service dog candidate through their rescue network under what will be another dog sponsorship from Logomark.
“This giveback program is a cornerstone for what Logomark stands for,” said Goldberg, “and we couldn’t have achieved this without the support of our distributors.”
Shelter to Soldier’s other initiatives include its Canine Ambassadors, a team of certified therapy dogs and their volunteer handlers that provide visits of love and comfort to active-duty military, veterans and their families.
Founded in 1993, Logomark provides more than 3,000 products in diverse categories. Based on reported 2022 North American promotional product revenue of $115.4 million, Logomark ranked 14th on Counselor’s most recent list of the largest suppliers in the industry.
Learn More About Suppliers’ Giveback Programs
The Do-Gooders Directory, part of ASI Media’s Promo for the Planet resource hub, is an extensive and continually updated list of supplier and distributor giveback programs, corporate social responsibility initiatives and sustainability certifications. Check it out here.