190
Walks
457
Participants
827
Donations
$45,847
Total Raised
Walks take place across Canada in the spring and fall. Find a walk near you.
You can sponsor a walker, team or a specific Walk. Your support will provide Dog Guides to Canadians with disabilities.
Raise $1,000 and be automatically entered into a draw for a $500 Best Buy gift card and one year’s supply of pet food courtesy of Nestlé Purina PetCare
Raise $1,500 and be automatically entered into a draw for two tickets to anywhere that WestJet flies
Thomas was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder at the age of three. He experiences very high anxiety which makes it difficult to participate in anything outside of his daily routine and make new friends.
Accommodating Thomas’ needs proved to be a difficult task for his parents, especially with having another child with autism. After learning about Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and the Autism Assistance program, they immediately applied. Thomas’ father, Steven, spent a week at the Oakville training facility learning how to work with his son’s new Dog Guide, Thistle.
Steven returned home with Thistle and introduced her to Thomas, who immediately took to his new Dog Guide. Thistle helps calm Thomas when he starts to feel anxious and gives the family greater freedom to experience things together. The difference Thistle has made for Thomas has encouraged the family to apply for another Dog Guide for their other son who also has autism.
