• by Tanya Gazdik , February 2, 2012

Citgo is entering its third year of “Fueling Good,” a program that recognizes and rewards local heroes within their communities for the good works they do, from caring for the needy to providing food for the hungry to assisting kids who need dental care.

As part of its fall Fueling Good program, Houston-based Citgo is awarding Florida-based Canine Castaways, Inc. with $5,000 in Citgo gift cards to help in the group’s work educating area residents about responsible pet care and rescuing and rehabilitating homeless dogs.

Canine Castaways is one of 12 Citgo fall Fueling Good winners determined from more than 1,500 charities through a nationwide online vote. More than 100,000 votes were cast to determine the latest winners.

The winter 2011 Fueling Good program registration ended on Jan. 11 for all 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations within the Citgo marketing area. Online public voting runs to Feb. 9 to determine the next 12 winning charities, who will each receive $5,000 in Citgo gift cards. Charities who want to enter future rounds can visit http://www.fuelinggood.com/.

The company is promoting the contest on its Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and on its YouTube page where visitors can view videos of past winners at www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

The reward from Citgo will make a huge impact on Canine Castaways education outreach programs and canine rescue efforts, said Kim Rinaldi, president of Canine Castaways.

"Throughout the year, our dedicated volunteers travel across Southwest Florida in the Canine Castaways' Canine Cruiser mobile unit to rescue dogs and find them loving families,” Rinaldi said. “Along the way, we participate in pet adoption and community events to increase awareness of pet overpopulation and responsible pet care."

Canine Castaways is committed to educating people about issues central to pets and good pet care. In addition, through a partnership with local animal control and welfare organizations, the charity takes in unwanted dogs to prevent them from being euthanized. Since 2004, nearly 1,500 dogs have been saved. The non-profit organization also provides rehabilitation services for the rescued dogs to make sure the animals are well behaved and in good health prior to adoption.