For 41 years, members of the Lake of the Woods Kenora Lions Club have been walking to help provide Dog Guides for Canadians in need.
What began as a local fundraiser has become part of a nationwide effort supporting Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, a program that trains and places specialized service dogs with Canadians living with medical and physical challenges.
“This is our 41st year we’ve done that,” said Gwendolyn Maffey of the Lake of the Woods Kenora Lions Club. “With our small club, we’re still in there.”
The annual Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides supports several types of working dogs, including Canine Vision, Hearing, Service, Seizure Response, Autism Assistance, Diabetes Alert and Facility Support dogs.
According to Maffey, the Lions Foundation breeds the dogs before placing them with volunteer foster families during their first year. The puppies learn obedience, socialization and how to handle busy public spaces like malls, restaurants and public transit before moving on to advanced training at the organization’s facility in Oakville, Ontario.
The cost to raise and train a Dog Guide is approximately $35,000, but qualified Canadians receive the dogs free of charge through the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program. Canadians from across the country can apply to be matched with a Dog Guide based on their individual needs.
“We have no stipulation from the government,” Maffey explained. “All the money we make on the walk stays in Canada to help out Canadians with physical and medical disabilities.”
Across the country, nearly 250 communities take part in the annual fundraiser, helping support a program that has changed lives for thousands of Canadians. One recent participant highlighted by Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is Angela, who lives with progressive Multiple Sclerosis and narcolepsy. Since being matched with her Service Dog Guide, Nugget, she says everyday life has become safer and more manageable, with Nugget helping retrieve dropped items, open doors, and alert others when assistance is needed.
The Kenora walk will take place Sunday, May 31, at the Jarnel Contracting Pavilion at the Harbourfront, beginning at 8 a.m.
Participants can walk with or without a dog, collect pledges, or simply come out to support the cause. Refreshments, coffee and treats for dogs will also be available.
For more information or to register for the Kenora walk, visit https://www.walkfordogguides.com/fundraisers/kenora