Ladner-based BC & Alberta Guide Dogs has been professionally training dogs to assist persons with disabilities for more than two decades.
Beginning as B.C’s first guide dog school in 1996, BC & Alberta Guide Dogs has continued to grow and amalgamate with like-minded organizations across Western Canada.
The organization was initially founded for individuals who were visually-impaired, however an ever-expanding mandate led to the inclusion of support dogs for children with profound autism and service dogs for military and police veterans living with post-traumatic stress.
The head office is located in Ladner, although the organization serves individuals and families throughout both provinces.
“We love our neighbours. Many of our volunteer puppy trainers, boarding homes for the dogs in advanced training and caretakers of our breeding dogs are located in the local community,” says CEO Bill Thornton. “Quite simply, we couldn’t do the work we do without them.”
Dogs are provided, along with training and aftercare support, at no cost to families for the working life of the dog, which is typically eight years. With each certified dog costing $35,000, this means that BC & Alberta Guide Dogs relies on its volunteers and donations to provide these essential services.
Much of the organization’s funding comes from individual and corporate donations, legacy gifts, foundations and its annual repertoire of fundraising events such as the Ties & Tails Charity Auction and Gala, Trivia Night, and the Golf for Guide Dogs tournament (in its 22nd year), which is taking place on Aug. 23 at the Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club in Richmond. Golfer registration is available at www.bcandalbertaguidedogs.com.
BC & Alberta Guide Dogs is also holding its first-ever Motorcycle Poker Run fundraiser on Sept. 1 starting at the Ladner Legion.
“It’s a fun event where riders play a game of poker with checkpoints along a route in the Delta and Surrey area,” said Cathy Nidoski, director of fund development and communications. “We are really excited to launch this new event to raise funds for our programs.”
If you’re unable to attend one of the events, there are plenty of other ways to give. Visit the website or call 604-940-4506 to learn about puppy sponsorship options, make a donation, or find out ways to volunteer.
