The Goderich Lions are hosting a walk to raise money for guide dogs.
Ron Finlay, the Chair of the walk, says the event will be held to kick off October in Goderich at the Lions Park behind the Park House Bar and Restaurant.
"We're holding it October 1, and people pledge to walk in it. Registration's at 10 a.m., the walk starts at 10:30 a.m., and then we have a light lunch afterwards," Finlay said.
Finlay explains the funds go toward the Lions Guide Dog Training School in Oakville, Ontario, where dogs are trained to help assist people in a number of categories of need.
"Dogs are trained for assistance with sight, hearing, service dogs for people who have physical and mental disabilities. Autism assistance dogs, for children aged 3-12, who are suffering from autism. Seizure response dogs for people with epilepsy, and they have diabetic alert dogs for people with hypoglycemic diabetes," Finlay explained.
In terms of the cost, Finlay says it isn't cheap to train the dogs.
"It costs about $35,000 to train a dog and match it to a person who needs it. The person pays nothing for the dog, or the training, that's all covered by the school," noted Finlay.
The walk, which is an offshoot of the Canada wide walk for the same purpose in May, is a huge help to many people who are desperately in need of a guide or service dog.
If you can't take part in the walk but wish to donate, you can contact Ron Finlay of the Goderich Lions at docfin46@gmail.com or by calling 226-421-2190.
You can also click here for more information: https://www.walkfordogguides.com/fundraisers/goderich