by Stephen Dafoe
stephen@morinvillenews.com
The Purina Walk for Dog Guides takes place in Morinville at the Fish and Game Association pond trail May 28 at 10 a.m. The Morinville Lions Club are once again looking for walkers and pledges to help them in their national goal of raising funds to provide specially trained Dog Guides to Canadians with physical and medical disabilities.
Last year’s event raised $1,195,154 for the cause across the country, and the Lions are hoping for great results again this year from the more than 200 communities participating.
“It is something that the Lions Club has done for many years through all the various other Lions Clubs,” said Lions Spokesperson and incoming club president Deborah Robillard. “This is our fourth year of doing this, and we feel it is important because everyone should have the freedom of life to enjoy life.”
Robillard said many Canadians would benefit from the funds raised.
“A service dog can help with their anxieties, with their sight, hearing – all that kind of stuff so they can outside for walks and enjoy what everyone else enjoys,” she said.
Registration for the 5-kilometre walk is at 9 a.m. at the gazebo. The walk will start an hour later and consist of two laps around the pond trail and down the back trail to the 100 Street crossing and back again. Snacks and prizes for those who raise the most funds will follow the walk.
Those interested in pre-registering can pick up pledge forms at Technical Automotives or TASER Inc. in the industrial park 780-907-8139 to arrange a drop-off.
People can bring their own dogs that are friendly with other animals or walk one of the dogs at the event. Those interested in walking on their own can also do so.
New club member Maigen Butler is certified to train service dogs and will be on hand to teach people about service dogs, what they do and how they are trained.
Robillard said the walk would serve the dual purpose of generating food for the Morinville Food Bank Society. They are encouraging walkers and spectators to bring a donation of food to the event.
