Support Walk for Guide Dogs Saturday

Supporters of guide dogs will be helping the Wellington District Lions Club raise funds during Saturday’s Pumpkinfest parade.

Janet and Harry Marissen, great supporters of guide dogs, take potential candidates into their home for early years training. Many County residents remember mischievous Owen, the black standard poodle and her present puppy in training, Usher.

Every year the couple, the Wellington District Lions Club and other supporters collect pledges and strut their dogs in the Pumpkinfest Parade. This year, on Saturday, Oct. 19th, participants will be collecting pledges along the way for the Purina Walk for Guide Dogs. Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides’ mission is to assist Canadians with a medical or physical disability by providing them dog guides at no cost. Each Dog Guide costs approximately $20,000 to raise and train.

Donations may be made to any Wellington District Lions Club member. Be sure to give them your mailing address as tax receipts for donations of $20 or more will be sent out by mail.

The walk takes place in more than 250 communities across the country in support of Canadians with disabilities.
Participation can help provide one of the six kinds of Dog Guides:
Canine Vision – for people who are blind or visually impaired
Hearing Ear – for people who are deaf or hard of hearing
Special Skills – for people with a medical or physical disability
Seizure Response – for people with epilepsy
Autism Assistance – for children with autism spectrum disorder
Diabetic Alert NEW – launching in 2013