Guide Dog Innis steals the spotlight alongside organizers for the local Lions Club Walk for Guide Dogs
The Renfrew Lions Club is bringing a popular fundraiser from the next town over and adding a little extra incentive to give on top.
Club member and event chairperson Diana Laroque is working with fellow members to bring their famous Walk for Guide Dogs to Renfrew in early June, with planning underway right now to keep interest and donations high right up to the day of.
Laroque says that she’s had the pleasure of working with community members and businesses to put the event on in Arnprior over the past several years. That includes getting a chance to meet local Walk ambassador Bradyn and watch him grow as a person thanks to his guide dog, Innis.
Hopes are high for the Renfrew Walk for Guide Dogs this summer, as Laroque hopes to pack the parking lots outside the myFM Centre with participants as they make their way from the Lion’s Club Dog Park inside Ma-te-way Park to raise the crucial funds needed to train guide dogs in just one of seven specialties, helping patients handle diabetes, hearing, seeing, autism, seizure, service, and facility needs.
For example, a guide dog trained for autism like Innis helps Bradyn stay calm in stressful situations like trips to the dentist.
The Renfrew Lions Club is currently canvassing local businesses and organizations for prizes that will be auctioned off online in the lead-up to the walk itself. Laroque encourages anyone interested in providing items or helping on the day of the event to reach out to a Lions Club member.
(written by Kasey Egan)