This May, Canadians from coast to coast joined the Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides in support of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (LFCDG), a national charity that provides dog guides at no cost.
The Lions Club of Sault Ste. Marie has been hosting the virtual walk online for the Sault Ste. Marie location.
The fundraiser walk is usually held in person on the last Sunday of May, but due to COVID-19, this year’s event has been virtual. Participants have been walking, biking, and running throughout the month of May, with the goal being to raise $1.3 million.
“These dog guides are trained for people who have vision issues, hearing issues, or people who need to use a wheelchair. It’s so important to raise funds for these dog guides. The cost of breeding, training and matching them with a recipient is $25,000,” said Cheryl Pavoni, marketing and communications chair for the Sault Ste. Marie Lions Club.
If you would like to make a donation or join the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides you can register online and choose Sault Ste. Marie as the walk location.
“One of our Lions Club members, Hedi Kment, is a guide dog owner and she will not go anywhere without her. Her dog has changed her life, and has given her back her independence, confidence and freedom,” Pavoni said.
“I’m happy that we can support this as a Lions Club locally here. It’s harder to reach a goal with this event being virtual, but next year we hope to be back walking in person,” she said.