Fort Erie Lions Club and Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides join forces to host the first information session in Fort Erie.
Submitted By – The Fort Erie Lions, April 25, 2024, VOL. 5 ISSUE 17
Since being established in 1983 by Lions clubs across Canada, LFCDG has become a leader in the Assistance Dog industry, has matched over 3,000 Dog Guides to Canadians who have greatly benefited from having a dog by their side and has become the only accredited organization in the world to train Assistance Dogs in seven programs. Join Nancy Chiasson, Treasurer and Director of Ontario for the LFCDG Board for a Dog Guides’ information session hosted by the Fort Erie Lions Club on Saturday, May 11 at 1:30 p.m. The event will take place at the Fort Erie Lions Senior Centre (265 High Street).
“Guests will get a chance to learn about the seven Dog Guide programs, volunteer opportunities and best of all, meet some future Dog Guide puppies,” explained Nancy Chiasson. “With 1 in 4 Canadians 15 years of age and up living with one or more disabilities, more people are seeking the services of a specialized Dog Guide. The demand for Dog Guides is only expected to increase as our population continues to grow and age. To continue to provide Dog Guides at no cost, we need the public’s support. We’re eager for Fort Erie residents to join us on May 11th as we delve into the enchanting world of Dog Guides.”
How to Help
With the growing demand for assistance dogs, the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides needs the public’s support now more than ever. Each Dog Guide costs $35,000 to raise, train and place with a Canadian who can benefit from one. There are many ways to donate and help support Dog Guides with their mission. Fort Erie residents can choose to donate or volunteer their time, both of which are great ways to give back and make a difference. Foster a Dog Guide Puppy: From a young age, the puppies at Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides are set up for success. Foster families take in a puppy at around eight weeks old and stay with their fosters for the first year of their lives. The puppies are taught basic obedience and socialization, two very important skills that will assist them with their future life as a working Dog Guide. This is a great volunteer opportunity for anybody who loves dogs and wants to commit to helping the organization provide more Dog Guides to people in need of one. Fort Erie and Niagara region residents qualify to become foster families. Thanks to Pet Valu, puppy food is donated and LFCDG covers all veterinary expenses. Please visit www.dogguides.com/how-tohelp/foster-puppy-program/ to apply.
Join the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides: Another way you can give back to the foundation is through fundraising. On Sunday, May 26th the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides will be happening from coast to coast in communities across Canada. Raise funds with friends and your local community for Dog Guides. Thanks to our sponsor Pet Valu, all of the proceeds raised go towards matching Dog Guides with Canadians who can benefit from one. If you register before May 1st, participants will have a chance to win a $500 prepaid VISA gift card. To register and find a Walk near you, visit www.walkfordogguides.com.
Join the Dog Guides Guardian Pack: Another way to help Is by becoming a Dog Guide Guardian. Dog Guide Guardians are monthly donors who give reliable, consistent amounts to the foundation. Monthly donors get the benefit of automatic donations while knowing that their gift goes each month to help match more life-changing Dog Guides to people who need them. Dog Guides Guardians receive a consolidated annual tax receipt each year at tax time. To become a Guardian, visit www.dogguides.com/donate/online-donations/
Lions Foundation of Canada is committed to changing through Dog Guides. The foundation does not receive any government funding and relies on the generosity of donors, sponsors, and volunteers. Please consider supporting Dog Guides this spring
