LFC PatronsGet to know this year’s Patrons,

the highest honour presented to Dog Guides supporters.

See Their Support in Action.

Lions Club is Top Dog Meet the first recipient of the

Top Dog award, a new recognition for outstanding support.

Learn about our Amazing Donors.

David & JimThis hockey-loving Dog Guides duo

is ready for the puck to drop in Calgary, Alta.

Meet David and Jim!

DONATEN W

Lions FoundationNewsNovember 2016 The quarterly publication of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides

Lions Foundation News

Table of Contents

November 2016

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides152 Wilson St. Oakville, ON L6K 0G6

(905)842-2891 • (800)768-3030WALK FOR DOG GUIDES: Merilyn - Ext. 231 mlethbridge@dogguides.comFUNDRAISING: Julie - Ext. 223 jjelinek@dogguides.comAPPLY FOR A DOG GUIDE: Megan - Ext. 222 mstewart@dogguides.comEVENTS: Emelia - Ext. 226 events@dogguides.com

www.dogguides.com

Gift Shop

Congrats Grads

17

15

18

14

Legacy Leader

Wish List

3

9

Board of Directors

Graduate Update

Amazing Donors

Barking News

5

6

4

Dog Guides Happenings

Patron Award Winners

11

Inside Dog Guides

Out & About 13

12Walk for

Dog Guides

10

Executive Director & Chairperson’s MessageThis past year, we achieved so many of our goals, and are continuing on the way to providing more of the very best possible Dog Guides to a wide range of Canadians. That’s how we define leadership.

Leadership is demonstrated in so many facets of this organization. Our six programs are growing, and

consistently demonstrating quality delivery and best practices throughout the process of building capacity. Our committed and professional staff matched 159 people with life-changing Dog Guides last year - a placement level that is our highest yet, and moving quickly to our next goal of 200 partnerships per year.

Our fundraising capacities expand each day to allow us to do more, and our services would not be possible without our many long-term donors. With increasing support, we will continue to expand to meet the growing needs.

It was a record year for our Walk for Dog Guides, which achieved a 9-per-cent increase over funds raised the previous year, brining the total amount to just over $1.3 million.

These successes are due to wonderful leadership from our Board of Directors, talented staff, dedicated volunteers and ever-essential donors.

Congratulations to all our leaders!

Meet Chairperson Bill McKitrickFrom Crystal City, Man., where he served as mayor for more than 30 years, Bill brings a strong financial background to the Board of Directors, and filled the role of treasurer this past year.

“Working with people at the board level, you’ve got to be able to communicate well and be a team

player,” he says. He’s meeting the year ahead with a commitment to helping the organization move toward the goal of graduating 200 Dog Guides per year.

“Dog Guides’ six programs help improve the quality of life for so many Canadians.”

Bill has been a financial consultant with Investors Group for 26 years, and enjoys the great outdoors, camping, playing golf and baseball. He is a member of the Crystal City Lions Club.

Meet our Board of Directors

Lions Foundation welcomed its Board of Directors for the 2016-17 year during its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, October 22nd. Each Director brings a unique combination of experience and vision to the organization, and a commitment to reaching Lions Foundation’s goals in the year ahead.

Lions Foundation is thrilled to have elected new Directors Beatrice Barnard, representing Manitoba, Richard Dufour, representing Quebec, and David Manning, representing Nova Scotia.

We would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to outgoing Directors Derwin Bartlett, Michel Loranger, and Past Chairperson Doreen Burton. Thank you for the time, energy, and passion you brought to Lions Foundation.

2016-17 Board of Directors:• Bill McKitrick, Chairperson• Douglas Cook, Past Chairperson• Mel Stokes (British Columbia and Yukon)• Paul Gauthier (Prince Edward Island)• Al Leach (Ontario)• Richard Dufour (Quebec)• Andre Nimchuk (Alberta and Northwest Territories)• Frederick Thompson (Newfoundland and Labrador)• Gordon Ziegler (Saskatchewan)• David Manning (Nova Scotia)• Beatrice Barnard (Manitoba, N.W. Ontario & Nunavut) • Margaret Laking (New Brunswick)

Sandy TurneyExecutive Director

Annual ReportLions Foundation’s 2015-16 annual report is online. Read the year in review here

Douglas CookPast Chairperson

Douglas Cook

Lions Foundation News • 3

Graduate Update

“I’m a pretty active guy, and Jim comes everywhere with me,” says David, of Calgary, Alta. “You could say we’re attached at the hip.”

From his work desk at Alberta Children’s Hospital to Calgary’s Saddledome to see a Flames game (David has season tickets), David and Jim demonstrate teamwork in action. “We’re so in synch that sometimes I’ll drop something and not even realize it until Jim brings it to me,” David says. “He’s an incredibly intuitive dog, always anticipating what I might need, sometimes before I do.”

It was when David graduated high school that he applied for his first Dog Guide, and was matched with Oswald, his partner in independence for over a decade. He met Oswald’s successor Jim, a black Labrador retriever, last winter, and was amazed at how quickly he bonded with him. “Everything has been easy, right from the start.”

On living with cerebral palsy, David is reflective: “It might take me a bit longer to do certain things, but I’ve always been confident, independent, and sure of who I was. Having a Service Dog Guide has confirmed this for me. He’s been an amazing gift.”

With hockey season starting, everyone knows where to find David and Jim. “When we get to our seats for a game, Jim takes in the atmosphere, then settles in right away,” he says. “It’s like he can sense how much I love it, which reminds me again what an amazing partnership this is.”

David and Jim had two sponsors: Mrs. Mavis Berwick, who chose the name Jim to honour her late husband, and Pet Valu, thanks to proceeds raised from its annual give-what-you-can calendar campaign.

See page 8 for details on this year’s calendar campaign.

Calgary, Alberta

David & Jim

Calgary, Alta.

Service Dog Guides Graduate

Graduated in June, 2015

To find out more about sponsoring a future Dog Guide team,

please visit our website, here.

Lions Foundation News • 4

Lions Foundation is pleased to announce the following individuals and corporation have been named Patrons for 2016. This is the highest honour presented to supporters of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

2016 Patrons Honouring Our Supporters

Mavis Berwick In recent years, Mrs. Berwick has been our top individual donor, contributing an incredible $142,000 over the last three years. She and her daughter Diane, who has since passed away, began by donating $50,000 to complete the Opening Doors to Independence campaign. Mrs. Berwick is the top donor contributing to the Oakville Walk for Dog Guides the last two years, giving $30,000 each year. She has sponsored several Service Dog Guide teams, and has donated a hospital bed and other supplies. She also plans to leave a wonderful legacy to Lions Foundation, sponsoring at least 10 more teams through her will.

Darlene Bryans Ms. Bryans is the owner of four McDonalds restaurant franchises in Oakville, and has selected Lions Foundation as the recipient of McHappy Day proceeds for the last nine years. As a result of this special day in May, more than $85,000 has been donated. She is an energetic supporter in the Oakville area, where Lions Foundation’s training school is based. Her long-lasting leadership in raising awareness and funds has allowed Lions Foundation to continue growing.

Don Gamble Past District Governor Don Gamble has been a Lion since 1952, and is the inspirational and active leader of Galt Cambridge Lions Club, which has been a major donor in every Lions Foundation campaign. He has personally donated to the Walk for Dog Guides since 2004, and is instrumental in rallying contributions from Galt-Cambridge region for more than 30 years. His club’s support has included 17 sponsorships of Dog Guides teams. Mr. Gamble recently celebrated his 90th birthday, and shows no signs of slowing down in his wonderful support of Lions Foundation.

Merial Canada Inc. Merial Canada Inc. is a world leader in animal health, providing a comprehensive range of products and vaccines for livestock, pets, and wildlife. Lions Foundation is incredibly fortunate that Merial is a vital supporter of its Dog Guides in training. It has been a contributor of veterinary care supplies to Lions Foundation’s veterinary practice for 20 years, and provides discounted vaccines for Dog Guide puppies, free syringes, medications, and other donations. This kind of support has allowed Lions Foundation to grow and serve more Canadians. Ms. Carole Desnoyers of Merial’s Quebec office was in attendance to receive this honour.

Lions Foundation News • 5

Amazing DonorsSmall & Mighty

The Shell Lake and District Lions Club recently made an incredible contribution to Lions Foundation, and the village of Shell Lake, Sask., helped make it possible. The club raised $20,000 – a feat made all the more impressive given the community has a population just over 1,300. Thank you to Shell Lake Lions Club and each citizen who contributed this amazing support.

Sponsoring Independence

Recent Canine Vision graduate Omid and Dog Guide Jupiter were sponsored by the Toronto Beaches Lions Club

Many of our graduates count themselves lucky to be sponsored by Lions and Lioness clubs that take on the challenge of raising funds to offset a portion of the $25,000 it costs to breed, train, and match a Dog Guide. At Lions Foundation’s September graduation, a number of teams crossed the stage thanks to this support, and, as always, the ceremony was a chance to acknowledge the many people and clubs that get our graduates to that important stage.

Top Dog Award

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is pleased to announce a new prestigious award. Any club, individual or company making a donation of $25,000 or more in a year will be recognized as a Top Dog. This is for all general unspecified donations that cover the costs of our graduating teams including sponsorships. Purchases of awards or funds raised from Walks are not included. To acknowledge this exceptional support, clubs will receive a plaque, banner patch and a Top Dog pin for each member of the club. In addition, as a member of the Top Dog Club, there will be recognition in each issue of the newsletter, a list on the website and a plaque at LFC’s training school listing each Top Dog.

Congratulations to the Copetown Lions Club (ON) for being the first recipient of 2016-2017

Lions Foundation News • 6

Amazing DonorsIt Takes a Village...Supporters of Lions Foundation always find inspiring, inventive ways to raise funds, and help provide more Dog Guides.

Watch this space for the latest events and ideas from across Canada.

Eastern Star SupportsSaskatchewan’s Order of the Eastern Star has been involved in numerous activities to raise funds for Dog Guides’ programming. Their recent Ol’ Time Rock-n-Roll dinner was a “hit,” and money raised will go toward sponsoring a team in the province.

Sweet Fundraiser As Oliver and his family wait to meet their Autism Assistance Dog Guide match, they decided to host an event to raise awareness and funds in their British Columbia hometown. A local baker even donated custom Dog Guide cookies! The event raised $250.

A Clean Shave for Dog Guides He’s been growing his beard for a long time, and in January, with the support of many generous Calgarians, Peter Wallis will shave it off to support Dog Guides. Wallis is a past Chairperson of Lion’s Foundation’s Board of Directors, and the clean shave will take place on the ice at the January 2nd Calgary Hitmen game. Wallis will be joined by Calgary-area graduates and their Dog Guides.

Teeing Off for Dog Guides Taking part in a weekend golf tournament, Rattlesnake Point Golf Club members in Milton, Ont., donated to nine local charities, with $5,000 going to LFC Dog Guides! Thank you to all who hit the links for the cause.

Busy-Busy FundraisingThe Busy-Busy Club, an aptly named group of foster families and other supporters, has made the generous contribution of $2,500 to purchase a computer and printer for Lions Foundation’s office. Busy, busy indeed! Thank you for this wonderful support.

Home Away From HomeA primary goal of Lions Foundation’s Opening Doors to Independence campaign was to increase the number of residence rooms for clients staying at the school during their partnership training. We’re thrilled to have reached that goal together with our supporters, and are now able to host multiple classes at once, with clients enjoying a comfortable home-away-from-home while they learn to work with their new Dog Guides.

Lions Foundation News • 7

Getting into the Dog Guides Spirit:

Ideas That Can Make a Life-Changing Difference

Dog BowlA great indoor event to plan for colder weather, hosting a Dog Bowl raises awareness and funds for the Canine Vision program. This “blind” bowling fundraiser is easy to organize, too. If your club is interested in planning a Dog Bowl, get in touch with Emelia, who has everything you need to get started.

Pet PortraitsYou can help strike a pose for Dog Guides by organizing a holiday photo op pet owners will love. Pet portraits with Santa can be organized with a local pet store, Lions Club headquarters, or vet’s office, with proceeds supporting Dog Guides. We can help. Contact events coordinator Emelia for assistance bringing it all together.

Holiday Gift IdeaMore and more people are choosing to make a donation in honour of the special people on their gift-giving lists. When you give a donation in someone’s name, we’ll send the recipient a letter, and you’ll get a tax receipt, which will be a great present come April.

Gift ShopDog Guides’ online Gift Shop has everything you need to get your holiday shopping started. Check out new items, all-time classics, and a selection of seasonal items such as holiday cards and Dog Guides ornaments.

Supporting this Winter Going Once, Going Twice...

Stay Home & Bid is back! This auction in support of Dog Guides invites people from across Canada to bid on great items and experiences, all without leaving the comforts of home. Proceeds go toward training and matching Dog Guides with Canadians

who need their assistance. The bidding starts November 7th, with new items on the auction block each week of the month. Auction items have been donated from across the country, and include a golf and hotel package, Energizer Ride-On car, and an exclusive training session for your pet with a Dog Guides instructor.

Check out Stay Home & Bid for more details, and to start bidding each week!

There is still time to donate, email Emelia or call at 800-768-3030 ext. 226

Your Local Pet ValuLions Foundation is thrilled that Pet Valu is a national partner, supporting future Dog Guide teams again this year through the store’s annual give-what-you-can calendar campaign. Proceeds go toward sponsoring Dog Guide teams. Calendars are available at all Pet Valu locations and its family of stores including Paulmac’s Pets, Bosley’s, Total Pet and Tisol.

Giving Tuesday is an international movement following “Black Friday,” which marks the start of the holiday shopping season. It encourages people to get into the philanthropic spirit, and support the causes that matter to them at this vital time of year.

This November 29th, join thousands of Canadians giving to their favourite charities, and please give to Dog Guides, allocating your gift to the program closest to your heart.

Lions Foundation News • 8

HappeningsLions Foundation

Full House at Training SchoolA primary goal of Lions Foundation’s Opening Doors to Independence campaign was to increase the number of residence rooms for clients staying at the school during their partnership training. We’re thrilled to have reached that goal together with our supporters, and are now able to host multiple classes at once, with clients enjoying a comfortable home-away-from-home while they learn to work with their new Dog Guide.

Classes in Session The training school has been a busy place this fall with Canine Vision, Service, and Autism Assistance classes already held. Current classes include additional Autism Assistance and Service, and a Seizure Response session set to start, followed by our first Hearing Ear program of the fall. The rest of the season is rounded out by a full schedule including another Canine Vision, Hearing Ear, and Autism Assistance class, as well as a Diabetic Alert class. Our goal is to work towards 200 graduations per year, and with this full schedule, we are well on our way to achieving that milestone in the years ahead.

Open HouseHundreds of guests visited Dog Guides’ annual fall Open House this past Oct. 1st to check out training demonstrations, client talks, silent auction, and – of course – to be greeted by Dog Guide puppies.

Thanks to everyone who popped by!

Volunteers Recognized

The following volunteers were recognized at the Annual General Meeting, held on Oct. 22, for their dedication in completing 100 or more hours this past year. This does not include the countless hours foster families donate. Lions Foundation extends its gratitude to everyone who helps make this mission possible.

Volunteer HoursSandra: 381

Tom: 271Diane: 271

Eric: 256Mike: 167

Michelle: 156Randy: 152 Allison: 141 Susan: 140

Brenda: 123Natalie: 109

Gail: 103

Lions Foundation News • 9

Get to know the people who prepare Dog Guides for the important jobs they do

LucyDiabetic Alert

Dog Guide Instructor

For Lucy, making the world a better place – one Dog Guide at a time – is all in a day’s work, and her experience achieving it is extensive.

Born and raised in Rowley Regis, England, she completed a degree in animal behavior, which included a six-week work placement with the West Midlands Police Dog Unit. “This is where I first started learning about scent work, and just what a dog’s nose is capable of,” she says.

After university, she continued to expand her knowledge of scent work, and a job training dogs to detect landmines in post-conflict zones followed. This work took her around the world as part of the humanitarian teams that help war-torn areas re-establish. “You have to clear the land and make it safe again in order to restore society, and dogs play an integral part in that,” she explains.

A move to Canada brought an opportunity to work with Lions Foundation, and she started in the Foster Puppy Program, coordinating and supporting families raising the next generation of Dog Guides. A three-year apprenticeship followed in the Canine Vision program, and she dedicated herself to training Dog Guides to assist people who were blind or visually impaired in the years that followed.

“Working with dogs has given me a lot more patience and understanding.

As people, we have ideas in our heads of how things are going to go as we’re making plans, but the dog

may have very different ideas.” Today, Lucy brings her experience and expertise to the Diabetic Alert program, and is once again leveraging the power of a dog’s powerful nose. “I’ve come full-circle instructing in Diabetic Alert,” she observes. “It’s really nice to get back to my roots in scent work.”

Lucy’s family includes her husband, their two-year-old daughter, and Cheech, their pet French bulldog: “Cheech is allowed on the furniture, I’m sorry to say.”

In life, and in working with dogs, she reflects:

“If you put love out there, you get it back.”

Lucy’s role is to channel dogs’ caring and willingness to work so they can make an impact on the lives of people with disabilities.

Lucy works with Hope, a Diabetic Alert Dog Guide in training

Lions Foundation News • 10

Lions Foundation Barking News

Lions Foundation News • 11

Autumn Stroll for Dog Guides

CTV Barrie covered the Walk for Dog Guides in nearby Orillia, Ont. this fall, and caught up with Dog Guides grad/Walk organizer Laura.

Check out the clip here...

Nation’s Capital Walk

Rogers TV in Ottawa featured an in-depth interview with organizers and volunteers ahead of the Walk for Dog Guides there.

You can watch it online here...

East Coast Dog Guide

The Citizen-Record in Newfoundland introduced the community of Port Blandford to its newest member: Dog Guide Yuko.

Read all about it...

A Tail-Wagging Donation

Hearing Ear team Ernie and Lyra are helping to raise awareness and funds in Saskatchewan, and his local McDonald’s restaurant franchise came aboard to help, contributing to sponsor a Dog Guide in Saskatchewan.

Check out the article here...

Lions Foundation News • 12

Sweater-Weather Walks in Support of Dog Guides

While most Walks take place on the national date in May, some communities save this important fundraiser for sweater weather. From Burstall, Sask. to Portugal Cove, Nfld., more than 20 cities and towns put their best paws forward to help give more Canadians a new leash on life.

Thank you to all the hardworking volunteers, walk organizers, and each and every person who came out to support the Walk for Dog Guides. Of the funds raised, 100 per cent goes directly toward the training and matching of Dog Guides.

Walking the Walk in Winnipeg Beach, Man.

The Walk underway in Ottawa, Ont.

WALKSNAPSHOTS

Chris and Alex, with Autism Assistance Dog Guides Waldo and Mina, were happy to help spread the

word about the Walk in Newcastle, Ont. Check out the article here

Out & AboutLions Foundation

Under the Sea

Autism Assistance Dog Guide Viper takes in the activity during a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto, Ont. with Kate

Boarding Call

Bev & Canine Vision Dog Guide Lotus prepare for takeoff on a trip to Halifax, N.S., to attend a Lions convention where they spread the word about Lions Foundation

Fresh Air

Carolyn and Hearing Ear Dog Guide Flame enjoy a walk in the woods during warm weather in Oakville, Ont.

A-moose-ing Road Trip

Autism Assistance Dog Guide Bingo was happy to be by Stephen’s side during a break in Moosejaw, Sask.

Dog Guide Face Off

Leafs fan Faith with Service Dog Guide Brownie recently met former Leafs Captain Doug Gilmore in Oshawa, Ont.

Lions Foundation News • 13

For Dog Guides in Training• Crates $2,000• Haltis $1,900• Pulse Oximeter $1,500• Harnesses for AAD $1,500• Martingales $500• Set of clippers and blades $100• Grooming blades (each blade) $50• Stainless steel dog bowls, large • Bleach • Dishwasher & liquid laundry detergent • Dog shampoo - Aloe & Oatmeal • Mops and squeegees • Dog toys:

- Kong Goodie Bones (Xtreme) - Kong Xtreme Balls and Wubba

• Dog treats: - Nylabones – Super Chew & Durable Chew - Antlers

For Clients in Training• Flights from any location in Canada • Computers for client rooms $5,000• JAWS eReader upgrade $4,500• Braille printer $4,200• New electric hospital bed (Service Program) $4,000• Loops system for HED clients $3,000• Deep Freezer (20-22 cubic feet) $1,000• Microwave $150• Cutlery • Plates – white, dinner size• Gift cards to grocery stores for meals for clients• Gift cards to gas stations • Canadian Tire Money• Rewards points

For the Offices• High speed switches (for computer network) $5,000• Wireless access points $4,000• Printing of one set of brochures $1,000• Camera• Photocopy paper, 8½" x 11”• Gift cards to office supply stores

To donate an item on the Dog Guides the Wish list, please contact Julie

Lions Foundation News • 14

November 2016

AAD Graduates Location SponsorsAbdullah & Harper Oakville, ON Altruists of Oakville (ON)Aiden & Roxi Saskatoon, SK G. Murray and Edna Forbes Foundation (SK) (South Saskatchewan Community Foundation)Benjamin & Bruno Spruce Grove, AB Bennett & Zodiak Williamsburg, ON Jaskula Jarvis Golf Tournament (ON)Benz & Whistler Weyburn, SK Bryan & Saxon Toronto, ON Cora & Innis Stevensville, ON Ridgeway Lions Club (ON)Darius & Idyll Burlington, ON Jaskula Jarvis Golf Tournament (ON)Elijah & Demi Innisfil, ON Ethan & Autumn Orleans, ON Jacoba & Gus Canmore, AB Kane & Zara Riverview, NB Sackville Lions Club (NS)Keagan & Bubble Binbrook, ON Jaskula Jarvis Golf Tournament (ON)Keegan & Floral Kitchener, ON Lauchlan & Stevie Grande Prarie, AB Maria & Kaito Toronto, ON Mason & Lucian Strathmore, AB Lethbridge Kennel Club (AB)Maverick & Ronan Thompson, MB Nancy & Yuko Port Blandford, NL Olivia & Ivan Warman, SK Martenville & District Lions Club (SK) / Pet ValuStephen & Bingo Moose Jaw, SK G. Murray and Edna Forbes Foundation (SK) (South Saskatchewan Community Foundation)

CongratulationsGraduates

Lions Foundation News • 15

November 2016

CVC Graduates Location SponsorsCrystal & Kelvin London, ON Hyde Park Lions Club (ON) / Coldbrook Lions Club (NS)Eddy & Kore Burnaby, BC Ontario Foundation for the Korean Blind (ON) Cabri District Lions Club (SK)Francine & Wembley Tingwick, QC Club Lions de St-Hyacinthe Inc (QC)Kyle & Zoe Cambridge, ON Jaskula Jarvis Golf Tournament (ON) / Bridewater Lions Club (NS)Ramazan & Jupiter Toronto, ON Metro Toronto Ford Dealers Business Association (ON) Toronto Beaches Lions Club (ON)Roger & Rolex Marathon, ON Jim and Nancy Moore (ON) / Riverport & District Lions Club (NS)Thomas & Reggie (Aldridge) North Bay, ON Iroquois-Matilda Lions Club (ON) / Widdifield Lions Club (ON)

SD Graduates Location SponsorsBruce & Aldo Victoria, BC Lions Club of Cedar (BC)James & Barnum Whitby, ON Pet ValuKate & Kaizen London, ON Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada

CongratulationsGraduates

Lions Foundation News • 16

Taxes Included

"Seasons Greetings"

$6 pkgof 10

Gift ShopSee what else we have in store

www.dogguides.com/giftshop

Holiday Cards

"Happy Holidays"

$5 pkgof 10 $9ea

Platinum Sparkling OrnamentS

$28 $35

FULL ZIP Black FleeceNEW! RED Hoodie

Colouring book

$5

sizes S-XXL

sizes S-XXL

$10Ceramic mug

Stocking StufferIDEAS...

Available for pick-up or shipping (fees apply)

Lions Foundation News • 17

www.dogguides.com 1 (800) 768-3030 / (905) 842-2891

If you plan to leave a gift for Lions Foundation of Canada, the legal name for your will is “Lions Foundation of Canada” or “Dog Guides Canada”

The address is 152 Wilson Street, Oakville, Ontario L6K 0G6

It was a love of dogs – poodles in particular – and a desire to leave a legacy to help others that led sisters Diane and Sylvia to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

“We were getting to a point in our lives where we were both taking stock of things, and making sure our affairs were in order,” says Sylvia. “Diane was about to have a high-risk surgery, and you want to make sure that if anything ever did happen, that your wishes would be carried out.” The sisters moved to the Toronto area from Kenora, Ont. in 1965. “Poodles were a new thing for us, and we just fell in love with the breed,” says Sylvia. “We certainly hadn’t seen a lot of poodles in northern Ontario back then!”

Both went on to nursing careers, so helping other people was second-nature. Diane lives with an autoimmune disorder now which limits her mobility. “We’ve both had help in our lives when we needed it, and we’ve seen the difference a little support can make in other people’s lives,” says Sylvia.

It was during a trip to the vet with their miniature poodle that they thought to inquire about animal-related charities that might also assist people with disabilities. Their vet told them about Lions Foundation. “This has been in our hearts a long time,” says Sylvia. “Who knows, maybe our legacy will go toward matching a poodle with someone!”

Poodle Pile-up: Poodles hold a special place in the hearts of generous sisters leaving legacy to Lions Foundation

November 2016

Leaving a gift to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in your Will provides a legacy of safety, independence and mobility to people with disabilities for generations to come.

Why is Gift Planning so important?

Gift Planning expands on traditional fundraising campaigns, enabling charities to raise funds, generate revenue more efficiently and attract and retain donors, while achieving an unparalleled return on investment.

Gift Planning engages donors in the wonderful process of giving by encouraging donors to explore their ultimate dreams, their financial plans today and after death, and most importantly, their philanthropic goals and wishes.

Gift Planning encourages donors to consider their lasting legacy as well as their current and final wishes, encouraging them to continually explore these issues, utilizing tools provided by charitable gift planners or professional advisors.

“It is more rewarding to watch money change the world than to watch it accumulate.”

–Gloria Steinem

The Legacy Leader highlights contributions to Lions Foundation of Canada’s Dog Guide Legacy Program. It also features the many ways to give to this program through your will or by creating your own Dog Guide Legacy. We welcome your questions.

Phone: (905) 842-2891 1 (800) 768-3030

TTY: (905) 842-1585 Fax: (905) 582-1204

Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides152 Wilson Street

Oakville, Ontario L6K 0G6Charitible Tax # 13024 5129 RR0001

Please contact: Julie Jelinek, Director of Development Phone: 1-800-768-3030 Ext. 223or email jjelinek@dogguides.com

Leave a Legacy

With a growing population, and an increasing number of people with disabilities, the need for Dog Guides continues to rise. As a non-profit charity, Lions Foundation relies entirely on the generosity of our supporters. Planned giving allows you to make a charitable donation while meeting your current personal, family, and financial needs. Planned giving provides you more options to leave your legacy for future generations.

If you have already made a provision in your will, please let so know so we can provide you with additional information. We will happily accommodate those whom wish to remain anonymous.

BequestThere are several types of bequests that allow you to designate how your property will be distributed. Described below are the most used bequests.

Specific BequestA specific bequest allocates a particular asset to a named person or entity. This bequest can include personal effects, jewelry, automobiles, among other items. With the exception of real property of liquid assets, specific bequests can be made by a handwritten note or memorandum rather than in the will itself.

Contingent BequestA contingent bequest takes effect only if none of your heirs survive you. A contingent bequest can be used when an individual wants to make a gift to a charity, but is concerned that the payment of their debts and taxes may use up these resources.

Residuary BequestResiduary bequest refers to the amount remaining in the estate after all specific and general gifts are given, and all debts and taxes have been accounted for. For example, John leaves his house and stocks to his wife, and leaves everything else to his daughter – the gift of “everything else” is the residuary bequest.

November 2016