Each year, the Martensville & District Lions Club hosts the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides; however, since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the walk has been modified to a virtual version. This year, the virtual walk will be taking place on May 30, 2021.
This walk is a national fundraiser that is held in approximately 300 communities across the country to help raise funds which are used towards the training of Dog Guides for Canadians with visual, hearing, medical or physical disabilities.
Through the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program, Dog Guides, required training, transportation and accommodation are provided to qualified applicants at no cost.
According to Doug Ward of the Martensville & District Lions Club, there are currently 300 Guide Dogs and puppies in different stages of training that are being handled at home with their trainers and/or volunteer handlers.
“Although Pet Valu supplies food, there are other training expenses and supplies that are needed on a regular basis. You can help by participating in a virtual walk by walking, riding a bike, jogging, skipping or anything you would like to do and letting any friend, neighbor, relative or fellow worker know that they can still help out. This year, you can record your distances/steps and help us walk across Canada by starting right now,” Ward explained.
To contribute to this cause, visit www.walkfordogguides.com, then click on ‘About the walk / Walk locations – choose Saskatchewan, Martensville and choose either REGISTER or DONATE. You can then register as a walker yourself, or make a donation to another walker who is already registered. Ward, who is already a registered walker, can be found and donations can be made under his name. Once registered, you can share to social media and get support from those around you.
Online donations can be made anonymous and receipts are issues upon completion of donation. Donations can also be made to any Lions member and donations of $20 or more will receive a receipt.
“Help keep our Martensville walk in the TOP 20 in Canada and keep our DOG GUIDE program going. Thank you for your consideration during this difficult time,” Ward added.
For more information contact Doug Ward at (306) 491-8914 or dlward@sasktel.net.
