The Lloydminster Lions Club hosted its annual walk at Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Saturday, raising funds to provide free guide dogs to Canadians with disabilities.
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Ray Tatro, a 43-year Lions Club member and past district governor for Northern Saskatchewan, noted that Helen Keller challenged the organization to become “knights of the blind” during a 1927 international convention.
“Vision has been a primary service for Lions throughout the world; 1.4-million members around the world have really worked hard with it,” he explained at the May 23 event.
That initial advocacy eventually led the Lions to establish and run their own dog guide school.
“Part of that’s evolved into the biggest and best dog guide school in Canada,” said Tatro, noting the school is in Oakville, Ont. “Pet Valu has partnered with Lions to raise funds for that dog guide school.”
The school has evolved over time, serving more needs.
“The dog guide school primarily started as a sight dog school, but it’s evolved now (to help those that are) autistic, deaf, PTSD, anxiety, diabetic,” he said.
The dogs that are trained are then sent to those in need.
“About 100 dogs are put through that school,” he said, explaining it takes about a year to train the dogs. “They’re distributed across Canada at no cost to the recipients.”
Tatro took a moment to highlight a local success story.
“We were fortunate here, a year ago, to have a young lad that’s got an (autism assistance) dog,” he said. “His folks have said this was a life-changing thing for them to get this dog.”
Also at the event was Border Paws Animal Shelter, who were showing off some of their dogs.
“We’re supporting the Lloydminster Lions Club with their walk for guide dogs showing that any dog can be a guide dog,” said Chelsea Reeves, funding and event co-ordinator with the shelter. “It can be any kind of dog that is eager to learn and wants to help their people.”
The walk gave the shelter an opportunity to get the dogs out and into the community.
“Even just having them out and about in the community is so good for them,” she said.
For those looking to support the cause, donations are still being accepted online.
“People can donate online by going to walkfordogguides.com,” said Tatro. “Any donations will be very appreciated.”
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