Surfin’ Santa Paws Toy Drive Raises More Than $8,000

SAN DIEGO, CALIF. – Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice dog who raises funds and awareness for human and animal causes, was surfing in a sea of toys as she delivered more than 3,300 toys to Rady Children’s Hospital and the Helen Woodward Animal Center last week.

Ricochet had been leading the Surfin’ Santa Paws Toy Drive for Kids & Kritters since December 1. In just three weeks, $8,710 was raised and used toward the purchase of toys. Donations came in from all over the world, including Japan, Canada, Switzerland, France and the Bahamas. Many were from Ricochet’s 16,000 Facebook FURiends.

The drop boxes provided by Ricochet’s sponsor, SanDiegoSunCoast.com, overflowed with toys. Both national and local pet-related businesses donated scores of toys and treats.

Ricochet injured her foot a few days before delivering the toys, so she wore a red bandage to match her Santa suit. A total of 3,355 toys for kids and critters were loaded onto an 24-foot sleigh (actually, it was a moving truck), courtesy of San Diego Van & Storage/Mayflower Moving Co.

The first delivery was to Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego, Calif., with the help of Patrick Ivison, Ricochet’s first fundraising beneficiary. Climbing aboard a red “Surfin’ Santa Paws” surfboard, Ricochet left a tidal wave of toys in her wake.  Each year, thousands of children visit Rady Children’s Hospital facilities, and these donations will go a long way toward brightening a child’s stay during a stressful time.

While at the hospital, Ricochet also made a Christmas wish come true for Tamandra Michaels, a woman who spent much of her childhood there due to spina bifida. Michaels was in dire need of a new wheelchair. Ricochet’s team contacted the TiLite Wheelchair Company, which, in the spirit of the toy drive, generously donated a $5,000 custom-made wheelchair. 

“This is totally rad,” Michaels said as Ricochet revealed her surprise, complete with a big red bow.

There was one more stop on Santa Paw’s route, so Ricochet got back onto her sleigh with Spike, her 5-pound elf helper, and headed north (toward the North Pole), stopping in Rancho Santa Fe, Calif., to deliver toys to the Helen Woodward Animal Center.  The center is an agent of change for the animal welfare world.  The toys will offer enrichment to orphan dogs and cats until their new families adopt them.  Toys and treats were also provided to birds, rabbits and horses at the center’s shelter.

Ricochet would like to sincerely thank SanDiegoSunCoast.com, San Diego Van & Storage, TiLite Wheelchairs, her donors, supporters and Facebook FURiends for helping give kids and kritters a swell Christmas.

Next up for Ricochet is the Reality Rally, a three-day weekend event intended to raise funds for Michelle’s Place, a resource center where women can go for help in coping with the challenges of breast cancer. This event will have Ricochet challenging reality stars to raise more money than she can!

For more information, visit Ricochet’s website.

PHOTO: surfdogricochet.com
SOURCE: Press release