Members of the Sackville Lions Club are gearing up for their annual Walk for Dog Guides and are inviting the community to come out and help them support this worthy cause.
Local residents are invited to join in with the Lions Club as they host the annual Purina Walk for Dog Guides on Saturday, May 15 at 10:30 a.m.
The Walk, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, attracts thousands of people across the country to raise donations in support of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides – a national organization that trains dog guides to assist Canadians with disabilities.
“This walk is open to the community so please come and join us and help make a difference in the lives of Canadians with visual, hearing, medical or other physical disabilities,” says Fred Cook, organizer of the Sackville event.
Dog guides help Canadians with disabilities achieve or maintain a safe, independent lifestyle. Lions Foundation of Canada has been training dog guides to serve the needs of Canadians with visual, hearing, medical or physical disabilities since 1983.
While the cost of placing and training a dog guide is approximately $25,000, each eligible candidate is provided a dog – including all required training, travel and accommodation – at no charge. To date, more than 1,400 Canadians ranging in age from eight to 84 have received a dog guide.
The major sponsor for the event Purina provides all the necessary food for the Lions Foundation of Canada’s puppies and dog guides in training.
The annual fundraising walks in communities across Canada have collectively raised more than $5.7 million in support of dog guide training programs.
The local walk will be held on Saturday, May 15 from the Sackville Lions Club at 10 Dufferin Street.
Participation is open to everyone of all ages, fitness levels, with or without a dog. There is no fee to register and you can find local walk information and obtain donation forms at www.purinawalkfordogguides.com or contact Fred Cook at 536-2306.
