Cypress employees raise money for their four-legged friends

Canine companion – Rockwell Collins employee Andrew Coates and his Siberian Husky, Sable, took part in a recent pet cancer awareness walk in Irvine, Calif. Coates is a senior benefits analyst and wellness champion at our facility in Cypress.
Photo courtesy of Andrew Coates

Rockwell Collins employees from our facility in Cypress, Calif., were joined by their canine companions recently for the Veterinary Pet Insurance's (VPI's) K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk in Irvine, Calif.

Andrew Coates, a senior benefits analyst and wellness champion in Cypress, is always on the lookout for opportunities that combine exercise with a worthy cause.

"It always feels good to be doing something worthwhile for yourself and someone else, even if that someone else is your pet," he said.

The employees and their dogs gathered at Irvine Regional Park for the 3K walk, helping to raise $7,500 for the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF), a non-profit organization committed to advancing the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancers in people and pets. 

Money was raised through donations and the sale of merchandise, such as T-shirts and dog collars. The entrance fee for the walk went entirely to the ACF.

Coates, who was joined by his Siberian Husky, Sable, felt the event was a success.

"A lot of people came up to me and said they had no idea pets could get cancer," he said. "I was happy that we could contribute to raising that awareness."