Charity walkers looking to take part in this year’s Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides won’t have to worry too much about the weather for once, as the annual fundraiser is embracing social distancing and taking the event online this year.
Local organizer Laurie Ewen brought the walk to Moose Jaw two years ago, and she’s hoping to see just as much enthusiasm from the community despite the change in format this year.
Instead of the usual group walk through Wakamow Valley, the charity walk will instead ask individual attendees to plan their own personal activity and share it on social media using the hashtag #VirtualWalkforDogGuides.
On May 31, participants are to do something active to celebrate guide dogs — take a walk around the block, do some exercise in the backyard, dance in the living room, or whatever feels right.
The goal is to put a spotlight on dog guides even with the limits of social distancing, said Ewen, and while she’s disappointed to not be gathering together like usual, she is excited to see what Moose Jaw comes up with for ideas.
“We're asking people to submit pictures of what they're doing, so if they want to jump on their trampoline for an activity, or lift weights, or whatever they are physically able to do [and] still be safe,” said Ewen.
The walk is still working with all of its usual sponsors, including Pet Valu, who covers the administrative costs of the walk each year so there is no fee to register.
Despite the change in venue, so to speak, the walk is the largest annual fundraiser for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides Program — which means participants are still encouraged to collect donations for the cause.
Most of the fundraising this year will be done online through the Walk for Dog Guides website, where participants are invited to join as an individual or a team.
Ewen has created a Moose Jaw team called Canada’s Most Notorious Team - MJ, where Moose Jaw participants can contribute to the community’s total.
Moose Jaw Pet Valu is also collecting cash or cheque donations in-store, for those who don’t want to donate online, and has donation forms for people who want to collect donations themselves.
The deadline for collecting donations is May 31, and there are a few prizes to be won for those who contribute. Pet Valu will be awarding a $50 gift card to someone here in Moose Jaw who drops off a donation, and the national Walk for Dog Guides will be giving away prizes as well.
“Our Pet Valu [and manager Michelle Erdahl] has really stepped up and said, 'we really want to support this, this is important to us,'" said Ewen.
Stephen Walcer, Ewen’s son, will be leading the charge once again this year alongside Autism Assistance Dog Bingo, who joined their family about 4 years ago.
AAD Bingo has made a huge difference in Walcer’s life, said Ewen, and she stressed how important it is to support the Lions Foundation training program.
Stephen Walcer, pictured here with his companion Autism Assistance Dog Bingo, is just one of the many Canadians who have benefitted from the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guide Program. (photo by Jason Antonio)All of the funds raised at the annual charity walk are used to help the Lions Foundation cover that cost to provide another individual or family with a dog guide.
Last year’s walk raised just over $2,000, and Ewen hopes to see Moose Jaw at least match that amount again this year, if not surpass it.
Although donating isn’t necessary to take part, said Ewen, and she just wants to see Moose Jaw take part in highlighting the importance of dog guides once again this year.
“Let's just share a little bit of joy out there. If we get donations while doing it, that's great, and if we get even just a little smile from the pictures, great,” said Ewen. “Every little bit helps, whether its a donation or a smile.”
Registration for this year’s Virtual Walk for Dog Guides can be done online, at the Walk for Dog Guides website.
Those interested in the Moose Jaw Walk for Dog Guides can stay updated through Twitter and Instagram.
Any questions about this year’s walk can also be directed to [email protected].
