Rico's Reach: Help MLI’s K9 Ambassador, Rico, Sponsor a New Mine Detection Dog — MDD “CHAMP”!

Meet Rico — MLI’s beloved K9 Ambassador and retired mine detection dog. After six years in Bosnia-Herzegovina saving lives by sniffing out landmines, Rico retired to the U.S. to continue his mission in a new way: educating students about landmine safety and inspiring them to be part of the solution to a mine-free world.

Together with MLI’s Educational Programs Director, Anne Wolleyhand, Rico travels to schools across the country through the Children Against Mines Program (CHAMPS), engaging students in hands-on demonstrations, landmine awareness lessons, and humanitarian action. Since 2022, Rico and Anne have reached over 7,000 students and community members, showing how mine detection dogs make the world safer every day.

Now, through Rico’s Reach, MLI’s special fundraising campaign, Rico is working to sponsor a new mine detection dog named “CHAMP” — in honor of CHAMPS’ 20th anniversary this year!

It takes more than $20,000 to raise, train, and care for one highly skilled mine detection dog. Rico is already more than three-quarters of the way to his goal, and he’s hoping to finish strong before MLI’s 2025 Clearing the Path Gala on October 28th!

To help him cross the finish line, MLI is launching an exciting Instagram challenge: Rico’s Reach Bingo! Play along for a chance to win prizes like a signed copy of Rico’s book or a special “Rico goodie basket.” You can:

🐾 Donate once

🐾 Invite friends to join

🐾 Get four in a row — or fill the whole board!

Every contribution helps Rico get closer to sponsoring MDD CHAMP — a dog that will save lives and continue Rico’s legacy of courage and compassion.

👉 Follow @marshalllegacyinstitute to play Rico’s Reach Bingo and help Rico reach his goal!💛 Donate today to support Rico’s Reach — click the button below!

Donate to Rico's Reach!