Volunteering is a powerful way to give back to our communities, and when it comes to supporting Veterans battling post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the impact can be profound.
Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing professionally trained service dogs to Veterans battling PTSD. Our mission offers vital support to those who have served our country and presents unique opportunities for community members to get involved.
If you’re interested in volunteering, here are three impactful ways you can contribute:
- Fostering a puppy
- Donating gifts through our Amazon wishlist
- Creating a fundraiser
3 Ways to Volunteer to Help Northwest Battle Buddies Fulfill Their Mission
1. Foster a service dog in training
A close-up and personal way to volunteer is by fostering a puppy. This crucial role involves providing a loving and safe home environment. Our puppy fosters socialize and expose the puppies to new environments, helping them on their journey to eventually becoming a service dog. This experience is both rewarding and impactful, requiring commitment, patience, and love.
Northwest Battle Buddies provides comprehensive training and support for all of our foster families. By opening your home to a puppy, you play a critical role in preparing them for the important job of helping Veterans, making this a profound experience.
If you live in Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, or Oregon, apply to see if you would make a good fit as a puppy foster.
2. Donate Gifts through Our Amazon Wishlist
If fostering a puppy isn’t feasible for you, another effective way to volunteer is by donating items through NWBB’s Amazon wishlist. The wishlist includes various essential items needed to support our puppies and the Veterans we work with. These items range from training supplies and grooming products to comfort items for the dogs and necessary equipment for their handlers.
Purchasing items from the wishlist is a straightforward yet impactful way to help. Each item on the list has been carefully selected to support the training and care of our PTSD service dogs, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future roles.
Make a purchase from our wishlist to support our American Heroes.
3. Create a Fundraiser to Support Veterans with PTSD
Creating a fundraiser is another excellent way to volunteer and engage your community at the same time. Fundraisers can take many forms, from hosting an event such as a charity run or a silent auction to organizing a virtual campaign or donation drive. The key is to tailor the fundraiser to your interests and resources while emphasizing the importance of NWBB’s work.
When organizing a fundraiser, consider leveraging social media and local networks to spread the word and encourage participation. Highlight the impact of the funds raised—whether it will go towards training a new PTSD service dog, covering veterinary expenses, or supporting Veteran programs. Fundraisers not only help raise essential funds but also increase awareness about the needs of Veterans and the role of PTSD service dogs in their recovery journey.
To make it easier for participants and guests to make a donation during your fundraiser, reach out to NWBB to set up your customized donation page personalized to your event.
Volunteering with Northwest Battle Buddies offers a range of opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Whether you choose to foster a puppy, donate items from our Amazon wish list, or organize a fundraiser, your involvement helps ensure that Veterans receive the support they need through Northwest Battle Buddies service dogs. Each of these efforts contributes to the broader mission of Northwest Battle Buddies and provides invaluable support to those who have given so much for their country. Get involved and join a community dedicated to making a difference, one puppy and one Veteran at a time.