Nanaimo residents are doing their part to help change the lives of Canadians with disabilities by participating in the Purina Walk for Dog Guides.
The event takes place May 29 at Maffeo Sutton Park with registration at 9 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m.
As the largest fundraiser of its kind in Canada, the walk helps provide money to ensure Canadians with disabilities are able to receive a dog guide at no cost. Each animal is specially trained to meet their handler’s needs and also provide them with increased safety, mobility, and independence.
“To date more than 1,600 dog guides have been placed with people from across the country and the difference they have made in their handler’s lives is astounding,” said Sandy Turney, Lions Foundation of Canada/Dog Guides Canada executive director.
The walk is unique in that it provides participants and donors the opportunity to see who benefits from their efforts. With dog guides being placed with Canadians from coast-to-coast many graduates live in communities that are hosting a walk and attend the event annually.
One hundred per cent of the funds raised from the event go directly toward the five dog guide training programs at Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
Each dog costs approximately $20,000 to raise and train. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides does not receive any government funding.
The foundation trains dog guides specializing in vision, hearing, special skills for physical disabilities, seizure response and autism assistance.
To register, donate or for more information, please go to www.purinawalkfordogguides.com.
