NEWS RELEASE
LIONS CLUB OF GUELPH
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This May, the Lions Club of Guelph invites the Guelph community to participate in the Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides. Canadians from coast to coast are joining together virtually to support the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides (LFCDG). The goal is to raise $1.3 million to support Dog Guides. The LFCDG is a national charity that assists Canadians with medical or physical disabilities by providing dog guides at no cost.
Typically held in-person in approximately 300 communities in Canada, the annual fundraiser event is now virtual due to COVID-19. Throughout this month, Canadians will be walking, biking, running and wheeling as they participate in the Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides.
Guide dogs like Thea, a local hero from Guelph, will be participating this year. Thea is an Autism Assistance Dog Guide. She works with 7-year-old Emilie. Thea also provides opportunities for social connection and development with Emilie’s peers. Emilie’s mother, Jennifer, is Thea’s primary handler. Jennifer says the most important thing Thea does for Emilie is help reduce her anxiety and flight risk when they are out in public. The partnership also helps the public to understand Emilie better. Autism is an ‘invisible disability’, and unfortunately, people are quick to judge. Thea helps people understand that Emilie needs extra care and understanding.
The Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides takes place until June 1, 2021. Safely walk, run, bike, or wheel on your own route and join your community online for the month of May. To donate or register to the Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides, please visit www.walkfordogguides.com and help provide Dog Guides at no cost to the growing number of Canadians who need them.
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