The Battleford Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides will take place June 2 at the Lions building in Battleford.
The walk is one of about 300 taking place across Canada to raise funds for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Each of the walks is organized by local volunteers with support from Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and Pet Valu stores. Held annually, the walk has raised more than $17 million to-date.
The Battleford walk is being organized by the Historic Battleford Lions Club and will take place on a route that starts at the Lions building on 22nd Street. Those who are collecting pledges will be treated to a free pancake breakfast at 10:30 a.m. Others may eat for $5.
Marie Milnthorp encourages walkers to come out with their dogs. A picturesque walk route is being planned and there will be stations along the way for the dogs to have access to water. Pledge sheets can be obtained from Milnthorp by phoning306-937-7147.
According to the Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017, one in five Canadians had disabilities that limited them in their daily activity.
The largest fundraising endeavor of its kind, the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides helps to raise, train and place Dog Guides with Canadians who have a medical or physical disability.
All of the funds raised by each walker will go directly toward the Lions’ seven dog guide programs:
• Canine Vision Dog Guides, for people who are blind or visually impaired
• Hearing Dog Guides, for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
• Service Dog Guides, for people with a physical disability
• Seizure Response Dog Guides, for people who have epilepsy
• Autism Assistance Dog Guides, for children on the autism spectrum
• Diabetic Alert Dog Guides, for people who have diabetes with hypoglycemic unawareness
• Support Dog Guides, for professional agencies with individuals in traumatic situations
While each dog guide costs an average of $25,000, they are provided free of charge to qualifying Canadians. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides receives no government funding and relies solely on donations from individuals, corporations, and fundraising activities. This is why the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is so important.
By participating in the Walk, you can help provide life-changing Dog Guides to Canadians with disabilities. For more information, to find a Walk and register or to make a donation, please visit www.walkfordogguides.com.
