Carleton Place, April 28, 2021 – Today, in honour of International Guide Dog Day, the CNIB Foundation is launching the second annual CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl, a virtual five-kilometre fundraiser in support of the charity's guide dog program.
Taking place from April 28 to May 28, the event allows people with all levels of mobility to take part, while supporting CNIB Guide Dogs at the same time. Participants can complete their five kilometres in whatever way they choose – whether they want to walk, jog, run, dance, skip, or even crawl.
The inaugural CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl, which launched last April, was created to be a fun, safe, virtual fundraising event in response to COVID-19 restrictions. While last year’s Pup Crawl was an enormous success, the CNIB Guide Dogs program still greatly needs support. In fact, since the pandemic began, there has been a 300 per cent increase in demand for CNIB Guide Dogs.
“Travel restrictions, including border closures caused by COVID-19, have meant that people with sight loss who have previously travelled out of the country to obtain a guide dog no longer have that option," says Diane Bergeron, President of CNIB Guide Dogs.
"The demand on CNIB Guide Dogs has been astronomical, and we must meet that demand for the Canadians with sight loss who need us."
Bergeron adds, "We believe every Canadian who wants a guide dog should be able to have one. That’s why all proceeds raised during the Pup Crawl will go directly towards supporting CNIB Guide Dogs."
The $40 registration fee for the Pup Crawl will help provide support in response to the need created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants will also have the option to donate as way of showing further support.
“Just like last year, I’d encourage all participants to get creative,” says Bergeron. “Whether you walk, hop, skip, dance or run, it’s up to you! Just remember to abide by the public health regulations in your community.”
For more information or to register, visit cnib.ca/pupcrawl.
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About CNIB Guide Dogs
At CNIB Guide Dogs, we raise, train and match dogs with Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. We also raise our voices to ensure people with sight loss have opportunities to live, work and play without barriers. We’re committed to ensuring social attitudes shift to universal acceptance and appreciation for guide dogs. To learn more, visit cnibguidedogs.ca
About the CNIB Foundation
Founded in 1918, the CNIB Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work as a blind foundation is powered by a network of volunteers, donors, and partners from coast to coast to coast. To learn more or get involved, visit cnib.ca.
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