Canister Program Helping Local Animal Shelter

Albany, NY, April 27, 2007 -- The positive emotional and health benefits of pet ownership have been well documented, particularly in the lives of seniors. That is probably what members of the Bright Horizons Program of the Colonie Senior Service Centers had in mind when they recently donated 40 collection containers to the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society. The canisters were given to the shelter for distribution within the community to help raise funds for the animals in their care.

The Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society has been in existence since 1887 and is the largest such facility in the Capital Region. The shelter takes in over 9,000 animals, of various species, each year.

"Pets add so much to our lives," said Edward Neary, Executive Director of Colonie Senior Service Centers. "We thought what better way to help animals in need than to offer our assistance to the shelter. It gives us great pleasure to support MHRHS and its important mission."

Key Bank and TD Banknorth have joined the effort by placing canisters at their locations throughout the Capital District. Key Bank currently has 30 canisters at different sites throughout the area.

On Friday, May 4th at 10:30am, officials and volunteers from MHRHS will meet with members of the Bright Horizons Program to thank them for initiating this project. The visit will include the appearance of a therapy dog to highlight the important bond between people and animals. Representatives from Key Bank are also expected to be in attendance.

"We look forward to this opportunity to thank these wonderful people in person," said Brad Shear, Executive Director of the Mohawk & Hudson River Humane Society. "We truly appreciate their generous support of our endeavors. On behalf of the animals we serve, we express our gratitude to Bright Horizons, as well as to Key Bank, TD Banknorth and their customers."