This year has created many struggles for people, along with organizations. With COVID-19 restrictions in place, many local service groups including the Martensville & District Lions Club have been unable to host their usual events that help to raise money throughout the year.
One of the biggest fundraisers that the Martensville & District Lions Club hosts each year is the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, which helps to raise money for a local resident to get a much-needed dog guide at no cost to them. There are several different types of dog guides, including; Canine Vision for people who are blind or visually impaired, Hearing for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, Autism Assistance for children who have autism spectrum disorder, Service for people who have a physical or medical disability, Seizure Response for people who have epilepsy, Diabetic Alert for people who have diabetes with hypoglycemic unawareness and Facility Support for professional agencies assisting individuals in traumatic situations.
“COVID-19 has crippled most fundraising this year and all fundraising/raffles have been cancelled locally, as well as provincially and/or nationally. This year, our Dog Guide Walk had to be held virtually and only raised about 30% of normal, which was the same nationwide,” Doug Ward of the local Lions Club stated.
“Our training centre still has all the future dog guides, both puppies and older to train and raise. Hopefully they can keep producing about 300 new dog guides annually and get them to the recipients,” Ward added.
To help raise money that will be used towards the Dog Guide program, the Lions Club will be accepting donations of bottles and cans. Those interested in donating can contact Doug at (306) 494-8914 or Marie at (306) 290-6766 and someone can come pick them up. A Drop & Go account has also been set up at Sarcan, under ‘Lions Club’.