Fundraiser: Buddha Update

Thanks in part to the generosity of many JoSers, the ChipIn campaign to purchase a service dog for Iraq War veteran Jeremy Brockway has raised nearly $3,000!

An update from Jeremy's wife, Ashlea Brockway:

Buddha is now living with us! Jeremy wakes up early every morning to walk him, and they spend a lot of time playing and working together in the backyard. This means Jeremy spends a lot more time with the family, which is so wonderful! The boys love Buddha.

Buddha himself is still adjusting to living with us. He was very anxious and fearful at first, and we were concerned. But he is coming around. I am hopeful that we will soon see the impact Buddha will have on our lives.

Thank you all SO much for your generosity! In addition to the amount listed here on ChipIn, we have received $880 in cheques! That brings our total raised to $2,945, 36% of our goal!!

Several JoS commenters have contributed and I know that many anonymous readers have also donated money. One very generous contribution came from a group of students at Tinicum Art and Science, a small, Buddhist, alternative high school in eastern Pennsylvania. According to Peter Ryan, who runs the school, the students hold an annual fundraiser and each year they donate a sum of money to a veterans group with progressive politics. This year, they are sending the money to Jeremy.

The Chipin campaign will soon be extended to several U.S. peace groups, including Iraq Veterans Against the War and Courage to Resist.

If you can spare a few bucks to help Jeremy pay the Buddha Balance, it would be most appreciated!