Lions Foundation News – spring 2017
A message from the Executive Director
We are in the midst of a year of great progress and on our way to place another record number of graduates. One of the keys to making this possible is the progress of our Instructors, as several are completing their three year apprenticeships. With such experienced Instructors able to lead the way, it is great to have a compliment now of 25 wonderful leaders. This leadership is enabling us to continue to place more great Dog Guides.
Some are asking about the announcement the CNIB have made to begin to train and place guide dogs for Canadians who are blind or visually impaired. We were surprised they felt there was a demand for more service in this area. This is, of course their choice. Through our 32 years of Canine Vision Dog Guide provision, we have found that it is the one program area that felt there are available options for clients. With over 900 of our Canine Vision Dog Guides having already been placed with clients (and over 200 active clients currently), we are committed to continue to provide the very best Dog Guides to Canadians in Canine Vision and our other programs. We are further proud of the efficiency and proven results that our experience and growth allows.
Our “Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides” is an introduction to our program for many. We very much want to thank all organizers and volunteers for leading close to 300 walks across the country. This is our largest event and a major source of funding.
Very best wishes for a wonderful summer as we join in to celebrate 100 years of Lions Clubs International and 150 years of our wonderful country Canada.
Sandy Turney
Executive Director
A message from the Board Chair
We are having another very good year as we continue our mandate of providing Dog Guides at no cost to individuals with disabilities, all across Canada
The Board and staff set a lofty goal of 180 graduates for this year and indications are that we will achieve our goal. This puts us in a very good position to achieve our ultimate goal of graduating 200 teams per year in the near future to help fellow Canadians enjoy their independence.
Our major fundraising event “Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides” is scheduled for Sunday, May 28th in communities all across Canada. Early indications are that there are more walks planned which will help us surpass last years record of 1.3 million raised. We want to give a huge “thank you” to all who helped in any way to make this event a success.
Graduate Update
Lisa of Lawn, Newfoundland, whose daughter, Sonnet, graduated in the Autism Assistance Dog Guide program in December 2016, recently shared a story involving the family’s heroic Dog Guide, Trenton.
“Our first outing – where my daughter was tethered around her waist to Trenton – went really well. I found myself thinking, I won’t need to use the “Halt!” command today. Sonnet was very calm, and she walked in an orderly fashion at a consistent pace. Normally, she is frantic and all over the place. Trenton stopped every once in a while to look up at me for little assurances and approval. Things were really going great!”
Little did Lisa know, Trenton, the Dog Guide was about to save Sonnet’s life.
“My daughter is just six, and she is fascinated by water. Puddles are her absolute favorite! She hasn’t met a puddle yet that she doesn’t want to jump in. That day, as we were leaving the grocery store, I noticed that daylight was fading. It was getting quite dark outside. As we walked towards the car, Sonnet noticed a gigantic puddle in the middle of a very busy parking lot. She ran for the puddle – and straight towards an oncoming pick-up truck and car.”
Lisa describes the reaction she had as she watched her daughter bolt for the puddle, and right into harm’s way.
“I remember screaming, “Sonnet, no! Sonnet, NO!” But she was completely unfazed – not even the slightest bit affected by my shouting. So I took a different approach. Instead, I yelled, “Trenton HALT!” and our Dog Guide instantly dropped to the ground. He stopped Sonnet in her tracks – a split second before both vehicles drove through the puddle. It could not have been a closer call.”
Autism Assistance Dog Guides provide safety, companionship and unconditional love. They also provide life-changing physical, emotional, and intellectual support. By offering a calming relief for children in high anxiety situations, these Dog Guides reduce the stress commonly experienced in public places. The bond that develops between Dog Guide and child is one that allows for increased social interaction for the family and the child.
For Lisa and her family, the gratitude they feel these days is immense.
“I want to express my thanks to the donors and supporters at Dog Guides Canada. We have taken to calling Trenton our ‘hero dog’, thank you so much for that.”
I would like to thank all Lions and Lioness clubs, individuals, Corporate sponsors, volunteers and staff for all that you do to support our programs. I would also encourage everyone to continue to support the Lions Foundation of Canada as we continue to improve the lives of Canadians everyday.
Bill McKitrick
Lion Bill McKitrick, Chairperson
Lions Foundation of Canada
Dog Guide Happenings
Motorcycle Show
As many as 15 of our future Dog Guides and their foster families came out in support of our Foundation and attended the 2017 Spring Motorcycle Show. The event was held at the Toronto International Centre on March 25th and 26th.
Bay Giving Day
Hudson’s Bay inside Burlington Mall welcomed a handful of future Dog Guide puppies during Bay Giving Day on March 4th.
A portion of the proceeds raised over the course of that Saturday afternoon went to Dog Guides Canada.
LCBO Tag Day
Thank you to the foster families and future Dog Guide puppies who joined us for a very successful LCBO Tag Day on March 18th.
The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides fundraiser brought in thousands of dollars – between three locations in Toronto and another three in Oakville
The Walk season is off to a great start!
Celebrate Canada’s 150th
As a proud Canadian charity, we want to honour Canada’s 150th birthday in a truly Canadian cherished way. Nothing is more precious to us than our future Dog Guide puppies. We will be naming an entire litter of puppies, born right after Canada Day, 2017, with special names that recognize our country Canada. To do this, we need your help!
Please join us by participating in our contest to recommend these special names that celebrate Canada. We are looking for suitable names with a Canada theme. Please submit your ideas now through June 30th. When submitting a name for consideration, kindly avoid the use of common human names or names that sound similar to a dog command (i.e. Bob might be heard on the street to distract a Dog Guide, and “Fletch” might think he needs to “Fetch”!).
Lions Clubs International 100th Year
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Lions Clubs International. As an officially recognized Lions project, we want to help commemorate this milestone in our own special way.
We will be naming an entire litter of puppies in ways that honour the many achievements of Lions Clubs. To do this we need your help!
Please join us by participating in our contest to select these special names to recognize Lions achievements. We are looking for suitable names with a Lions theme. Please submit your ideas now through June 30th. When submitting a name for consideration, kindly avoid the use of common human names or names that sound similar to a dog command (i.e. “Bob” might be heard on the street to distract a Dog Guide, and “Fletch” might think he needs to “Fetch”!).
in Memoriam
PDG Bruce Mintenko
We are sad to hear of the passing on PDG Bruce Mintenko. Bruce was very active for LFC, including serving a three year term as Director, Manitoba & Northwest Ontario from 1998-2001. Besides being an active and well liked director for LFC, Bruce taught us that there was an “Oakville” in Manitoba, living there and having served as Mayor. Deepest sympathy to his wife Deanna and family.
PDG John Pfaff
PDG John Pfaff has also passed away. He was a giant Lions leader for Lions Foundation of Canada having served many terms as LFC District Chairperson in A15. He was always so touched by the work of our Dog Guides and worked very hard to help our school grow. Condolences to the family on his loss.
PDG Peter Thomas
PDG Peter Thomas, many time District 19H LFC Chairperson and leader of the Nanimo Walk for Dog Guides recently passed away. He will be missed.
PID Bruce Murray
LFC Founder and Patron PID Bruce Murray passed away recently at the age of 84 years following years of contribution. Amongst his many Lions projects and successes, was his instrumental role in the launch of Lions Foundation of Canada in 1983. Lion Bruce remained actively involved in it through the many years since. He’ll be much missed. Deepest sympathies to his wife Janice, family and friends.
Amazing Donors
Becoming a Champion
The Nashwaaksis Lions club from Fredericton, NB began their journey to become Dog Guide Champions! With their recent donation of $25,000 they are half way there and have pledged their first sponsorships to the Canine Vision, Service, and Seizure Response Dog Guide Programs.
To become a Dog Guide champion it is a commitment to sponsor a Dog Guide Team from each or our six programs over a six year period. We look forward to matching them to grateful Dog Guide recipients over the 2017/2018 class year.
We are so grateful to our friends at the Nashwaaksis Lions club for this incredible gift and generous commitment.
100 Women Who Care
In April, Lions Foundation was a fortunate recipient of a generous cheque of $10,000 from 100 Women that Care. The Oakville group is dedicated to supporting local charities and is open to all women who can make the following commitment, meet 1 hour, 4 times a year with a $100 donation to one of three charitable organizations the group has chosen to support each time. Recently Dog Guides was the fortunate benefactor of their generosity and this donation will go to sponsor a recipient in Oakville from our Service Dog Guide program. Thank you to the 100 Women that Care for everything you do for the Oakville community and your generous gift to Dog Guides!
Thank you, Unitron
In March the Lions Foundation made a special trip to Kitchener, ON to our longtime friends and supporters at Unitron. Lions Foundation’s Director of Development, Julie Jelinek was joined on her visit by future Dog Guide Dixon, only 8 weeks old in the photo, as well as Hearing Ear Dog Guide Wynter. Unitron’s incredible cheque is the result of their 2016 fundraising efforts, which will be directed to our Hearing Ear Dog Guide program and it includes three sponsorships. Thank you, Unitron, for everything you do in support of Dog Guides Canada!
Interested in fundraising in benefit of Lions Foundation?
Get in touch with Christine Kircos, Fundraising Coordinator
.
Out And About
Time Well Spent at the TTC
What a week! Dog Guides Canada Staff, volunteers, Dog Guides, and future Dog Guide puppies spent the week of April 17th at various TTC subway stations across Toronto. The group took on various shifts to promote our upcoming Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, while also tackling a little fundraising.
Thank you to everyone who came out in support of our Foundation.
Boston Strong
Future Dog Guide Vesper and his foster family recently visited Massachusetts. While there, Vesper took in the 121st Boston Marathon, along with other tourist attractions, including the George Washington Monument and Harvard Law School.
Easter with Easton & Vogue
Easton and his Autism Assistance Dog Guide, Vogue, took time out this spring to pose for a family Easter picture. Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops.
Lions Club's Easter Parade
Sunshine, future Dog Guide puppies, and Olympic champion Penny Oleksiak helped to make the 2017 Lions Club's Easter Parade in the Toronto Beach a huge success! Thank you again to all of our amazing foster families for being part of this year's parade!
Dog Guides Wish List
For Dog Guides in Training
Crates $2,000
Haltis $1,900
Harnesses for AAD $1,500
Martingales $500
Set of clippers and blades $100
Grooming blades (each blade) $50
Stainless steel dog bowls, large
Bleach
Dishwasher & liquid laundry detergent
Dog shampoo - Aloe & Oatmeal
Mops and squeegees
Dog toys:
- Kong Goodie Bones (Xtreme)
- Kong Xtreme Balls and Wubba
Dog treats:
- Nylabones – Super Chew & Durable Chew
- Antlers
For Clients in Training
Flights from any location in Canada
Computers for client rooms $5,000
JAWS eReader upgrade $4,500
Braille printer $4,200
Mini bar fridge for medications $150
Deep Freezer (20-22 cubic feet) $1,000
Microwave $150
Cutlery
Plates – white, dinner size
Gift cards to grocery stores for meals for clients
Gift cards to gas stations
Canadian Tire Money
Rewards points
For the Offices
High speed switches (for computer network) $5,000
Wireless access points $4,000
Printing of one set of brochures $1,000
Camera $700
Photocopy paper, 8½” x 11” $100
Gift cards to office supply stores
Nursery News: Feb 2017 – May 2017
Twill and Ruskin
(cream standard poodle & red standard poodle) had 6 puppies on Feb 5th
Ritz and Yarley(yellow lab & black lab) had 3 pupppies on Feb 16th
Koa and Indie (black lab & golden retriever) had 7 puppies on March 2nd
Minnie and Denver (yellow lab & yellow lab) had 3 puppies on March 8th
Roma and Alomar (yellow lab & black lab) had 8 puppies on March 10th
Zorba and Denver(black lab & yellow lab) had 6 puppies on March 19th
Jewels and Vito (black lab & yellow lab) had 7 puppies on March 23rd
Waffle and Alomar (black lab & black lab) had 8 puppies on March 28th
Chilli and Ruskin(cream standard poodle & red standard poodle) has 6 puppies on April 21st
Yenta and Yarley(black lab & black lab) had 5 puppies on May 2nd
Congratulations Graduates
AAD Graduates - Location - Sponsors
Aniesa & Odessa, Angus, ON
Arwenn & Seuss, Duncan, BC
Colin & Zimba Abbotsford, BC Vancouver - South Lions Club, BC
Connor & Xelda, Acton, ON
Darya & Yellsea, Toronto, ON - Oshawa West Lions Club, ON
Elliot & Xavier, Kelowna, BC
Ethan & Xirus, Mississauga, ON - ORAC, ON
Henry & Ossie, Fenelon Falls, ON - District A-16 Lions, ON
Hunter & Yazar, Enfield, NS
Hunter & Zed, Yellowknife, NT
Iven & Kaito,Kemptville, ON
Jason & Yohan, Duncan, BC
Jet & Whiskey, Belleville, ON
Logan & Trixie,Bobcaygeon, ON
Maggiemay & Nigel, Mississauga, ON
Mathieu & Zabu, Cochrane, ON
Michael & Isaac, Stoney Creek, ON - Ridgeway Lions Club, ON
Noah & Yedi, Grand Manan, NB - District N-4 Lions, NL
Taigan & Comet, Davidson, QC
Vladimir & Anton, Burnaby, BC
Zachary & Xander,Quebec, QC
CVC Graduates Location Sponsors
Carla & Notch, Ajax, ON Ajax - Lions Club, ON
Carly & Jupiter, Victoria, BC - Pet Valu; Port McNeill Lioness Club, BC
Diane & Farley, Saint John, NB - Lakeville Lions Club, NB; St. Margaret’s Bay Lions Club, NS
Florence & C.C. Carleton Place, ON - Faye Welsh, ON; Louise Spicer, ON
Jennifer & Lark, Stratford, PE- PetValu; Twillingate Lions Club, NL
Karen & Tula, Richards Landing, ON - Vittoria Lions Club, ON; Digby and Area Lions Club, NS
Khrisstina & Nutmeg, Newmarket, ON - North Newmarket Lions Club, ON
Markus & Yazzy, Chatham, ON - Theresa Perrier, MB
Megan & Peanut, Brantford, ON - Copetown Lions Club, ON
Michelle & Odin, Barrie, ON - Fenwick Lions Club, ON;
Wayne & Gore,Welland, ON - Ariss and Maryhill Lions, ON and Gore Mutual Insurance Company (co-sponsors); Merritton Lions Club, O
DAD Graduates Location Sponsors
Chelsea & Filly, Edmonton, AB
Cory & Ukita, Langley, BC - Pet Valu
Donna & Maple, Richmond Hill, ON - Deb Cserhalmi
Ella & Ipsy, Hinton, AB Calgary - Heritage Lions, AB
Mabel & River, Toronto, ON
HED Graduates Location Sponsors
Alyssa & Peggy London, ON ORAC, ON
Anne & Scuba Edmonton, AB Stony Plain Lions Club, AB; Wetaskiwin Lions Club, AB
Jo-Anne & Quin Ottawa, ON Louise Spicer, ON; Pet Valu
Richard & Havana Nanaimo, BC Pet Valu; Nanaimo HarbourLites Lioness Club, BC
Tony & Soda Surrey BC Fort Langley Lions Club, BC
SD Graduates Location Sponsors
Donna & Tundra St. Thomas, ON Dutton and District Lions Club, ON
Kimberlee & Ludwig Halifax, NS Pet Valu; Chezzetcook & District Lions Club, NS
Kym & Mac Stouffville, ON Pet Valu; Mrs. Mavis Berwick, ON
Sandy & Tinsel Duncan, BC
Shelley & Rickey Warburg, AB
Legacy Leader
For Fran MacLean, love and respect of animals and nature has been a driving force throughout her life. Now retired, the former vice principal, classroom teacher and special education learning resource teacher, lives in Branford, ON with her three rescue cats, and is passionate about giving back to animals and her community. Often you can find Fran putting up bird feeders, or looking out for lost or abandoned cats and dogs in her neighborhood. She is a true friend and dedicated member of her community.
With her kind heart, it is no surprise that Fran is passionate about continuing to look out for people and animals through legacy giving. Fran set out to choose five worthy charities to designate a planned gift to in her Will and Lions Foundation is grateful to be one of them. Her intent was always to “donate to organizations where people were helping animals, animals were helping people, as well as organizations that support habitat and land conservation”. Fortunate for Lions Foundation, Fran came upon an article about Dog Guides and was immediately captivated. Fran recognizes that Dog Guides “help others to enjoy a more fulfilled life, giving people with a medical or physical disability the opportunity to participate and that these Dog Guides provide such an incredible service to others”.