CITGO Recognizes Canine Castaways, Inc. for Fueling Good

Local Charity Advances Pet Owner Education and Canine Rescue

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Jan 31, 2012, 10:35 ET

ARCADIA, Fla., Jan. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Doing good in local communities is a core value woven throughout CITGO Petroleum Corporation and one that is uniquely demonstrated through its Fueling Good Program. Now in its third year, Fueling Good 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.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110426/PH89704LOGO )

As part of its fall Fueling good program, CITGO is awarding Canine Castaways, Inc. with $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards to help extend its Ripple of Good and the impact of its work educating area residents about responsible pet care and rescuing and rehabilitating homeless dogs.

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

Canine Castaways, Inc. 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 from Jan. 12 to Feb. 9 to determine the next 12 winning charities, who will each receive $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards to spread their own Ripple of Good.

To enter your charity for a chance to win up to $5,000 in CITGO Gift Cards, and to learn how CITGO and local organizations are making a difference, visit http://www.fuelinggood.com/. For regular updates and to join the conversation, "Like" CITGO Fueling Good at www.Facebook.com/CITGOFuelingGood and view videos of past winners at www.youtube.com/CITGOFuelingGood.

CITGO, based in Houston, is a refiner, transporter and marketer of transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and other industrial products. The company is owned by PDV America, Inc., an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A., the national oil company of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. For more information, visit www.CITGO.com.

SOURCE CITGO Petroleum Corporation