FERGUS – The Fergus and Marsville Lions Clubs are holding a virtual Walk for Dog Guides to support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
It costs about $25,000 to raise and train a dog to be a guide dog, officials say, and over the past 15 years, the local club has raised about $150,000 for the cause.
Once trained the dogs are then given free-of-charge to a person with a disability who needs one
“We can’t go door-to- door with pledge sheets as COVID-19 has stopped all that; but the puppies being trained are growing and have to be fed and cared for,” Ben Collings, co-chair of the Fergus and Marsville Lions Clubs’ walk, stated in an email.
“Lions Foundation of Canada in Oakville is working under very difficult circumstances to raise and train the dogs needed. The demand is great as 2020 saw a shut-down of many aspects of this national program.”
The Lions are seeking participants in the 2021 Virtual Walk.
It’s easy. Walk your dog or your “virtual dog” in a physically-distanced manner whenever it suits you, until May 30.
Or lift weights, run on your treadmill, or dance in your living room.
Your virtual activity and online pledge will provide real dollars to enable Lions to assist Canadians with medical or physical disabilities by providing them with one of these remarkable dogs.
To get started:
- go to www.walkfordogguides.com;
- find the local walk (it is listed as Fergus);
- form a walk team or donate to an existing walk team; and
- send pictures of your virtual walk.
One hundred per cent of the funds raised go directly to the program and tax receipts will be issued for all donations $25 and over.
The program runs until May 30.
