By TERRY PUGH
A ‘walk in the park’ has made a life-changing difference for two area families, thanks to the efforts of the Martensville and District Lions Club and their annual PetValu Walk for Dog Guides fundraising event.
One family with an autistic child received a specially-trained Autism Assistance Dog Guide named Ivan several years ago. The dog has proved to be a godsend for the child, providing safety, companionship and unconditional love. The girl, who is now a young adult, has made tremendous strides over the last few years toward an independent and fulfilling life.
Two hearing-impaired adults in Martensville, the parents of young children, recently received a Hearing Dog Guide named Pearl.
“The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program is such a wonderful service for people with medical or physical disabilities,” said Maria Fowler, a member of the Martensville and District Lions Club and coordinator of this year’s annual ‘Martensville Walk for Dog Guides’ event slated for Sunday, May 25 in Martensville’s Lions Heritage Park. “It’s literally life-changing for the families who receive these Dog Guides, because there is no cost to them.”
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Lions Foundation national ‘Walk for Dog Guides’ fundraiser, and the 11th straight year for the Martensville Lions Club’s local event. Last year, the club raised $15,865 for the foundation, which uses the money to train dog guides in seven areas:
* Service Dog Guides – to assist people who have a physical or medical disability;
* Autism Assistance – to assist children on the autism spectrum;
* Hearing Assistance – for people who are deaf or hard of hearing;
* Canine Vision – to assist people who are blind or visually impaired;
* Diabetes Alert – to assist people with Type 1 Diabetes with hypoglycemic unawareness;
* Facility Support – to assist professional agencies working with vulnerable people who have experienced trauma.
Fowler said this year’s event in Martensville has been christened ‘Walk With Doug’ in tribute to long-time Lions Club member Doug Ward, who was the lead organizer for the event for many years and is now in a Saskatoon hospice where he is battling cancer.
“We have all been hit hard by Doug’s illness,” said Fowler. “He’s such a good friend, and has done so much for the community. We’re hoping for a great turnout at this upcoming Walk for Dog Guides to show our support for him.”
The event begins with registration at 1:00 p.m. at the Martensville Lions Heritage Park, with the Walk for Dog Guides beginning at 2:00 p.m. Registration includes ice cream treats for canines and a barbecue meal for dog owners.
Fowler said the Martensville event is typically in the top 10 in Canada in terms of the amount of money raised for the Lions Foundation Dog Guides program.
“The cost of training a dog ranges from $35,000 to $50,000, depending on the type of training it receives,” said Fowler. “The money is all raised through donations and sponsorships. Families in need of a Dog Guide can apply to the foundation, and if they qualify, they receive one at no cost. The Lions Club is the only service organization that doesn’t charge for these dogs.”
The mission of the Lions Foundation Dog Guide program is to empower Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence.