Partner Spotlight: Canines 4 Kindness
We are thrilled to present the results of our 2026 grant to the most unique organization we’ve ever worked with, Canines 4 Kindess!
Founder Jeff Jenkins runs the program as part of The Lola Foundation, named after his first rescue pittie. Jeff is also the founder of Midnight Circus, a nonprofit that brings circus performances to Chicago parks. Combining his love for circus performance, animal advocacy, and working with kids, Jeff had a brilliant idea — what if he brought his amazing rescue pups, and their circus tricks, to schools and libraries to teach kindness and combat stigma?
He’s adapted his program for kids of all ages, and we were lucky enough to join him at Thomas Kelly High School this spring. Check out the videos above to show how he makes his important message accessible AND fun, with help from pittie sisters Rickie and Bobbie.
With their 2026 Hansel Help grant, Canines 4 Kindness was able to add eight school visits before the end of the school year, reaching a total of 684 students. It was an absolute joy to see Jeff and his dogs in action, and to support such a joyful project. Educating the future of our communities (and future pet owners!), fighting discrimination, and changing attitudes about pit bulls all align perfectly with our mission — who would have thought it would involve dogs jumping through hoops?
Check out the full report below:
