This spring, residents and their four-legged “best friends” are preparing to walk together for the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides on May 28 at Forfar Park here.
This year’s walk will be held in over 240 communities across Canada.
The largest fundraising endeavor of its kind, the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides helps raise, train and place service dogs with Canadians who have a medical or physical disability.
Larry Wainwright of Fergus is matched with Canine Vision Dog Guide, Otis.
“Since receiving Otis in 2014 he has made a wonderful impact not only on my life but the lives of my family, friends and community,” says Wainwright.
“They get to witness first hand the difference a dog guide can make in one’s life.”
The local community was very generous last year, officials say, noting the contributions were appreciated by the Fergus and Marsville Lions Clubs, which were ranked as one of the most productive contributors in Ontario.
This year’s walk is May 28 at Forfar Ball Park in Fergus at 1pm (registration begins at noon).
All dogs are welcome to participate, “But you do not need a dog to join the event,” officials say.
Local volunteers organize each of the walks with support from Lions Foundation of Canada. Fergus’ walk is being organized by Ben Collings with the Fergus and Marsville Lions Club.
Held annually, the walk has raised more than $14 million over the years.
Thanks to the support of national sponsors Pet Valu, VIA Rail, and Cadillac Fairview, 100 per cent of the funds raised by each walker goes directly towards providing: vision dog guides, hearing dog guides, service dog guides, seizure response dog guides, autism assistance dog guides (for children aged 3 to 12) and diabetic alert dog guides.
Each Dog Guide costs an average of $25,000 and are provided free to qualifying applicants.
For more information, visit www.walkfordogguides.com.
