NEWS RELEASE
PET VALU BRADFORD
****************************
Pet Valu Bradford has been selected as the first stop for the national tour of The Don’t You Want Me Project, a social impact photography project that showcases the beauty and resilience of LGBTQ+ people, and the transformative impact their rescue dogs have on them. The exhibit will be on display in the Holland Street West store from March 8 to 18.
“We are excited and very proud to host the Don’t You Want Me Project and we encourage everyone to come in and experience the exhibit for themselves,” says Jennifer Pegg, co-owner Pet Valu Bradford. “The Don’t You Want Me Project showcases the unconditional love, compassion and non-judgemental nature that is embodied in dogs, and how the strength and purpose they provide can help members of the LGBTQ+ community heal. The exhibit elicits a lot of emotions. It’s definitely worth visiting.”
Co-founded by Jack Jackson, The Don’t You Want Me Project captures the transformation that happens when marginalized and often misunderstood individuals receive unconditional love and support. The exhibit includes six towers of compelling images and personal narratives of LGBTQ+ people and the impact their rescue dogs have had on them. Jackson will be onsite at the Bradford store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 12 to meet the public and talk about the project.
“Like rescue dogs, queer and trans people need love, purpose, family and to not live in fear,” says Jackson. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to travel across Canada with Don’t You Want Me; I look forward to chatting with visitors about the project and what happens when love is taken away, whether it’s by discrimination, isolation or ignorance and how people thrive when love is given back.”
Following its visit to Bradford, the Don’t You Want Me Project will travel to Vancouver in late March, Winnipeg in April, Spryfield NS in May, and Calgary and St. Catharines, ON in June. In each city, the project will be displayed in a Pet Valu store. Admission is free, although those who wish can make a donation online to Don’t You Want Me.
During each stop on the national tour Jackson is meeting with new participants and capturing their stories to share through the DYWM project. Anyone who identifies as being part of the LGBTQ+ community, has rescued a dog and has experienced firsthand how their dog changed their life is encouraged to apply to participate.
Pet Valu Bradford is located at 442 Holland St. West, Unit 8. More details on Pet Valu’s support of The Don’t You Want Me Project can be found here.
****************************
