The 5th annual Vancouver Island Dogs Calendar Contest has launched, raising vital funds for Operation Freedom Paws Canada (OFP Canada). This online photo contest, organized by Pauliina Saarinen Photography, provides a fun and engaging way for dog lovers to support an important cause while showcasing their beloved pets. The contest runs for five weeks, ending on April 30 at 9 p.m..

OFP Canada, based in Fanny Bay, trains and certifies service dogs for individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress, Complex-Post Traumatic Stress, Traumatic Brain Injury symptoms, and other physical, neurological, psychological, or mobility-related needs. The cost to train and certify one service dog team is $18,000. To date, the charity has 58 Certified Service Dog Team graduates and currently 14 dog-handler teams in training.

The calendar contest is held online at . To enter, participants submit a picture of their dog with a $10 donation and start collecting votes for their favourite entry by sharing the link they receive with family and friends. Votes are $1 per vote with a $5 minimum donation. 

At contest end,12 top-voted dogs will earn a coveted spot in the 2026 Vancouver Island Dogs Calendar and other wonderful prizes that businesses on Vancouver Island and beyond have donated for the cause. In addition, contestants can compete for weekly local prizes, which will be redeemed at the donating businesses in different towns on Vancouver Island. All proceeds from the contest and subsequent calendar sales go directly to OFP Canada鈥檚 Service Dog Program.

鈥淓very year, we are amazed by the generosity and enthusiasm of our community,鈥� says Pauliina Saarinen, professional pet photographer and contest organizer. 鈥淭his fundraiser not only helps change lives but also celebrates the incredible bond between people and their dogs.鈥�

Since the first contest in 2021, the Vancouver Island Dogs Calendar Contest has raised over $116,000, making it the biggest annual fundraiser for OFP Canada.

To learn more about OFP Canada, visit .