Autism assistance dog guides provide a calming relief for children in high anxiety situations. This Sunday’s fundraiser takes place at Lion’s Park.
Photo contributed
Lions Club encourages all to support event on May 31
The Oliver Lions and Lioness clubs are hoping that many dog owners will give Canadians a “new leash on life” this Sunday, May 31.
The clubs are once again hosting the Purina Walk for Dog Guides in Lion’s Park starting at 12:15 p.m. Registration begins at 11:45.
Lions Club president Joanne Bray said all the proceeds raised during this event goes directly to training dog guides for people with hearing and visual impairments, autism, epilepsy, diabetes and physical disabilities.
Bray noted that it costs $25,000 to train one of these dogs, which are given to recipients free of charge.
The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides has taken strides to support Canadians of all ages by providing them with canine guides.
The training involved is very comprehensive. For example, seizure response dog guides are capable of activating an alert system or barking for help in the event of a seizure.
Diabetic alert dog guides are trained to detect sudden drops in their handler’s blood sugar through scent, and alert them so they can ingest something sweet.
Autism assistance dog guides provide a calming relief for children in high anxiety situations and reduce stress commonly experienced in public places.
“Hopefully families will never need one (of these dogs),” Bray said.
She noted the club’s desire to see as many people as possible participate in Sunday’s event. Last year’s walk saw only 12 to 15 people show up.
“It was a little upsetting . . . I would really like to see a lot more people out this year.”
Bray said people do not need a dog to participate.
“You can put a leash on Jack (Bennest) and take him (the acting mayor) for a walk,” she joked.
Bray noted the event will also be the venue for the 30th anniversary of Lion’s Park; it was 30 years ago that the sod was turned in this popular park.
The event will feature a barbecue, games for children, and a special cake.
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
