The annual Elliot Lake Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides will become a virtual walk this year in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"It is a challenging time, yet newborn puppies, future dog guide puppies, dogs in training and working dog guide teams are being cared for by Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides staff," Organizer Robert Kerr of Elliot Lake Lions said. "We look forward to the day when classes can resume and we can bring more working Dog Guide teams together. Your generous donation of any amount will help Lions Foundation to bridge the gap until we return to some form of normal.”
On Saturday, May 31, the first-ever Pet Valu Virtual Walk for Dog Guides will take place in a physically distant manner.
"We are encouraging participants to show your support for Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides by going for a walk around the block, lifting some weights at home, running on your treadmill at home, dancing in your living room, jumping on your trampoline, or anything physically active all while practicing social distancing," Kerr said. "Every dollar raised through the virtual walk will support Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and its mission to assist Canadians with a medical or physical disability by providing them Dog Guides at no cost."
Kerr thanked Elliot Lake Foodland and Elliot Lake No Frills for their continued support of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
"Thanks to our sponsors, 100 per cent of the funds raised from the walk go directly towards the raising, training and placement of dog guides for Canadians with medical or physical disabilities," he said.
Dog Guides Canada has already provided specially trained Dog Guides to more than 3,000 men, women and children, all without any government funding.
"With your help, more people will experience the mobility, safety and independence a devoted Dog Guide brings," Kerr added.
Elliot Lake team members include Robert Kerr, Helen Rae, Kenda Seebach, Kyle Arnold, Linda Collett, Michael Thornton, Penny Cooper, Peter Fry, Roger Collett, Sharon Wood, Steffanie Fisher, Susan Anderson and Susan Kerr.
To register or donate go to walkfordogguides.com.