The Airdrie Lions Club is preparing for its annual Walk for Dog Guides to raise funds for a program that provides essential service animals to Canadians free of charge.
For over 40 years the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program has been providing service dogs free of charge to those in need in communities across the country. Each year local Lions Club chapters host their own Walk For Dog Guides to help support this broad initiative.
Working with Pet Valu, with additional support from the Airdrie Kin Club, the Airdrie Lions Club will be hosting its annual Walk For Dog Guides in North East Regional Park on Sunday, May 31.
Airdrie Lions Club president Hazel Hiebert said the walk helps support the operation of the Lions’ special dog breeding and training facility in Ontario, and the ongoing needs of the dogs it sends out to recipients as service dogs.
It takes about two years to train each service dog, which are specialized in one of seven areas: Seeing eye dogs, hearing dogs, autism support dogs, medical support dogs, facility support dogs which help support those experiencing trauma and appear alongside victims in court if needed, seizure support dogs for those with epilepsy, and diabetes support dogs.
“It’s really important,” said Hiebert. “(The service) is free of charge and that’s why we do this fundraising.”
To pre-register for the Walk for Dog Guides visit www.walkfordogguides.com. Those wishing to come out can also register on the day of the walk. The walk officially commences on May 31 at 12:30 p.m. with registration beginning at 12 p.m. It will take place in North East Regional Park, and is a come and go event. Those registering can come out to do the walk together as a group starting at around 1 p.m. or can come later to walk on their own.
For more information email [email protected].
