Notice:
Our upcoming “Fall Pet Fair” has been canceled due to inclement weather. We will notify you of the new date as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe!
Notice:
Our upcoming “Fall Pet Fair” has been canceled due to inclement weather. We will notify you of the new date as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience, and stay safe!
Patch was adopted by local businessman and dog-lover Frank Apa. With his sweet, outgoing, and charismatic nature, Patch quickly won the hearts of Frank and the team at Lexus of Oakville. He became the official ambassador of the dealership, brightening spirits and bringing smiles to everyone he met.
After Patch passed away in 2001, the PATCH (People and Animals Together Creating Harmony) Program was created in partnership with the Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton to honor his legacy of kindness. This program teaches children and youth about animals, fostering a community built on care, compassion, and the positive power of kindness.
To date, the PATCH Program has raised over $358,000, helping to create a kinder, more humane community.
The Humane Society of Oakville, Milton & Halton is very grateful for the support from Frank Apa and Lexus of Oakville.
Since 2001, The PATCH Challenge has raised funds through a portion of every car sold at Lexus of Oakville, directly benefiting HSOMH.
The PATCH Challenge celebrated its 25th anniversary in June 2025. To mark this milestone, Lexus of Oakville set a goal to raise $25,000 in support of education, awareness, and animal care.
This brings the total amount raised over the past 25 years to more than $358,000!
Pictured are Mike Mahaffy of Lexus of Oakville; Frank Apa, retired owner of Lexus of Oakville; Ananya and Atreya; and HSOMH Executive Director Jeff Vallentin
Each year, HSOMH and Lexus of Oakville present the PATCH Challenge Award to a child who has shown remarkable kindness toward animals and people.
It is a special tribute to the special black and white dog who brought out these qualities in everyone he encountered.
Congratulations to the 2025 Patch Challenge Award winners Ananya and Atreya!
The PATCH Program offers colouring books, activity sheets, and program materials designed for all ages. These resources help children learn empathy, compassion, and responsible pet care in a fun and engaging way.
Free Downloads:
The PATCH Program offers free interactive presentations that align with the Ontario curriculum and can include live animal visits. Sessions can be tailored for preschool, primary, or secondary students.
Ages: 3-4 years old
Presentation: Approximately 30 minutes
Our programs for preschool children are interactive and fun. Children will learn about responsible pet ownership, safety around animals, and lending a helping hand. A small animal is brought to the school for the children to interact with.
Ages: 5-13 years old
Presentation: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour
Children will learn about responsible pet ownership, safety around animals, and lending a helping hand. A small animal is brought to the school for the children to interact with.
Ages: 14-18 years old
Presentation: Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour
Our programs follow the Ontario curriculum, and topics can include animal appreciation, responsible pet ownership, wildlife and habitats, pet overpopulation, animal cruelty, animal rights and the law, and much more. We can also design a presentation to suit your needs and you can request that an animal come to class for the students to interact with.
You can help kids in our community learn more about kindness to animals by making a donation to the PATCH initiative or nominating a child for the PATCH Challenge Award at any time throughout the year.
