Staff
Everyone is invited to participate in the annual Lions Foundation of Canada Purina Walk for Dog Guides this Sunday beginning at 1 p.m. at the Sorting Gap Marina here.
“We’re hoping to get a better turnout this year,” said Gaby Hanzuk, a member of the Voyageur Lions Club, which is hosting the event.
She noted they’ve moved the event to the Sporting Gap Marina this year from Pither’s Point Park, where the walk had been held for the past seven years.
“It’s a little far out, so we thought we’d move it to a more central, well-known location,” Hanzuk explained.
“We’re always had between 10 and 20 participants, but we’d like to see more,” she added.
Registration will take place from noon-1 p.m., with the walk itself taking place from 1-2 p.m.
The walk will be about five km in length, with participants heading toward the Point and then back to the marina.
“And it will go rain or shine,” Hanzuk stressed, noting they’ll have a tent set up and people are encouraged to bring umbrellas if it rains.
If the weather is really bad, they’ll cut the walk in half.
Hanzuk said each participant will receive a gift bag, which will include dog treats, a leash, and a doggie bandana.
There also will be prizes for the top three money raisers, as well as for criteria such as the biggest dog, the smallest dog, the dog wit the longest tail, and the best-behaved dog.
Hanzuk said those who haven’t collected pledges for the walk still are encouraged to join in.
“For a $20 donation, they will receive a gift bag and a chance at the draws,” she explained.
“Or they can just come and walk in it.”
Pledge forms are available at the Nor-West Animal Clinic, Four Paws Pet Supply, Pharmasave, and 93.1 The Border, as well as the local optometrist offices.
“People are very supportive of this event,” Hanzuk stressed.
“Anyone can join in,” she enthused. “Just grab a dog—it doesn’t even have to be yours.
“Take a neighbour’s dog for a walk and come on out.”
Hanzuk said all the money raised goes toward the dog guide program, which trains dog guides that assist Canadians with a wide range of disabilities.
