Celebrating 40 Years of Dog Guides and Pet Valu's Support
Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides Marks 40 Years of Dedication
On May 25th, the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides will host its annual national fundraising walk, the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, commemorating 40 years since its creation in 1985. As the national sponsor since 2017, Pet Valu stands alongside Dog Guides to support this event across 200 communities in the country. This year’s fundraising goal is set at $1.6 million, aimed at providing essential dog guides at no cost to Canadians with physical and medical disabilities.
Reflecting on Years of Growth and Support
Bev Crandall, the CEO of Dog Guides, reflects on the journey and growth of the organization: “When we launched our first fundraising walk four decades ago, it was a small local event focused on our Canine Vision Program. Now, Dog Guides has expanded to include over 800 dog guides across seven programs, offering transformative assistance to their clients nationwide.”
Commitment to Free Life-Changing Service
Despite the evolution of Dog Guides, their core commitment remains unwavering. Providing dog guides free of charge has always been paramount. The training, breeding, and placement of each dog guide involves an investment of approximately $35,000. The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides not only celebrates this commitment but also serves as a critical fundraising tool to support operational costs.
Significant Achievements in Training and Services
The journey from a modest training program in Oakville, where only 20 teams were graduated annually, has transformed into a thriving organization with:
- A skilled team of instructors and dedicated support staff, bolstered by over 700 generous volunteers.
- A focused breeding program, producing approximately 200 puppies every year to ensure the health and temperament required for service.
- Training programs that span across seven critical areas, including Canine Vision, Hearing, Seizure Response, and Diabetes Alert assistance.
- A position as a global leader, facilitating the sharing of knowledge and best practices with similar organizations worldwide.
- The construction of a new $50 million fully accessible training facility, demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the support available to clients and increasing the number of teams graduating each year.
Pet Valu’s Role in Supporting Dog Guides
In addition to being the national sponsor of the walk, Pet Valu extends its support through active participation from franchisees, store operators, and Animal Care Experts, who help organize community events associated with the Walk. Pet Valu also contributes its premium Performatrin brand dog food and treats to dogs in training and has sponsored over 220 dog guide teams since 2015. As part of its ongoing commitment, Pet Valu and its Companions for Change™ program pledged $500,000 to support the Puppy Room in the new training facility, which is scheduled to open in Oakville in 2026.
A Commitment to the Future
Tanbir Grover, Chief of Marketing and Digital Officer at Pet Valu, emphasizes the long-standing impact of Dog Guides on thousands of lives: “For 40 years, Dog Guides has transformed the lives of many Canadians with disabilities. We at Pet Valu are proud to support this initiative, reflecting on past successes while looking forward to raising the bar even higher for the future.”
The 40th anniversary Walk on May 25th provides an opportunity not only to celebrate these achievements but also to generate crucial funding for future initiatives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides?
The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is an annual fundraising event supporting the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, aimed at raising funds to provide dog guides at no cost to Canadians with disabilities.
How long has Pet Valu been involved with Dog Guides?
Pet Valu has been the national sponsor of Dog Guides since 2017, supporting their initiatives and significant events like the annual fundraising walk.
How much money is the Walk aiming to raise this year?
This year, the goal for the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides is to raise $1.6 million to support the delivery of life-changing dog guides.
What programs do Dog Guides offer?
Dog Guides offers seven different programs, including assistance for individuals with Canine Vision, Hearing, Seizure Response, Diabetes Alert, Autism Assistance, Service, and Facility Support.
How can I participate in the Walk?
To participate in the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides and learn more about the event's locations and registration, you can visit the official website for details.
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