The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is launching a fundraising campaign to build a state-of-the-art dog guide training school in Oakville, Ontario. The new 89,000 square-foot facility will significantly increase the foundation’s capacity to train and provide highly skilled dog guides to people across the country at no cost.
The fundraising effort, called The Difference Campaign, aims to raise $50 million, with $41.5 million already secured. These funds will support the construction of a fully accessible, modern training space designed to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities, offering a welcoming environment for all.
One family already benefiting from the foundation’s life-changing services is the Estabrook family. Courtnee Peddle, Hunter Estabrook’s mother, shared how her son, who is non-verbal, has greatly benefited from his dog guide, Yazar. “Yazar has been a huge safety factor for us, especially for Hunter, as he’s a flight risk,” said Peddle. “He helps keep Hunter safe and breaks open a lot of barriers.”
The new facility will help the foundation continue its mission to provide customized dog guides for individuals in need, matching dogs with families based on specific needs. It costs approximately $35,000 to train and place each dog guide, with long wait times due to high demand.
The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, which operates solely on donations, relies on the community’s support to continue its vital work in providing independence, safety, and companionship to individuals with disabilities across the country.
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