The Vermilion Lions Club held its annual Walk for Dog Guides event at the CN station in the Vermilion Provincial Park on May 28. Sign-in began at 1 p.m., and the walk started at 2 p.m. The event was a family and dog-friendly one, welcoming participants of all ages and abilities.
The Walk for Dog Guides raises funds to provide life-changing Dog Guides to Canadians with varying medical and physical disabilities, including canine vision, hearing, service, seizure response, Autism assistance, diabetic alert, and facility support. One hundred percent of the funds raised went towards the training and placement of Dog Guides. Since 1985 Walk for Dog Guides has raised more than $21 million.
According to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, the event has been carried out for more than 33 years, and the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides has been a vital national fundraiser in support of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. National events take place in approximately 300 communities across Canada.
Providing specially trained Dog Guides increases the independence, mobility, and safety of their handlers. The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides relies on the generous support of volunteers, donors, and partners to meet its goal of giving Canadians a new “leash on life.” Despite the approximate $35,000 expense it takes to raise, train, and place each dog, each eligible Canadian receives a dog guide at no cost to them.
“We have been doing the walk here in Vermilion for the past 12 years and have raised a substantial amount of money for the cause. I am very happy for all the help from Barry Clampit and the members of the Lions Club in organizing the walk. I am also thankful for all the supporters that come out each year; this dog walk is very special to me,” said Jimmy Cryderman, Lions Club member and organizer of the Walk for Dog Guides.
Cryderman stated that there have been people participating from Vermilion, Lloydminster, Mannville, and Dewberry over the years.
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