According to the Canadian Survey on Disability, 2017, one in five Canadians had disabilities that limited them in their daily activity.
Which is why this spring, Canadians and their four-legged friends are preparing to walk together for the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides.
The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides in Golden will include a barbecue in the IGA parking lot on May 25 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the walk on May 26 at 1 p.m. at the Golden Pet Valu (615 9th Avenue N.).
Golden’s walk coincides with approximately 300 communities across Canada. 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.
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. Thanks to everyone who participates and donates, 100 per cent of the funds raised by each walker will go directly towards 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.
For more information about the event in Golden, call 250-939-8172.
