Pet Valu Dog Guide walks take place in Gibsons and Sechelt

The new owners of Pet Valu in Gibsons not only want to continue getting to know their community but also start giving back.

Danielle and Kyle Hermary decided a great way to do that is by organizing the Pet Valu Gibsons Walk for Dog Guides, benefiting the Lions Foundation of Canada’s Canine Vision program, on Sunday, May 25. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the foundation’s annual walk, so the couple decided this would be a great opportunity to start giving back.

The Hermarys just bought Pet Valu Gibsons in September. “We have not worked yet with the Lions Club Foundation of Canada, but it’s something Pet Valu does as a corporation and something the franchise stores have been doing for quite some time now,” says Danielle. “This is the 40th anniversary walk, but it's our first time participating. We really believe in the cause and we're excited to be getting the word out for it.”

The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, the company’s largest fundraising event, is held in more than 200 communities across Canada. To date, the walk has raised more than $21 million. That money goes toward raising, training and providing guide dogs to Canadians at no cost. The cost to train a guide dog is approximately $35,000.

Canine Vision Dog Guides assist Canadians (14 years or older) who are blind or visually impaired. These dog guides are trained to safely navigate obstacles typically found on daily routes and can assist individuals with stairs and crowds, reduce stress by providing a sense of safety, find doors, seats and crosswalk buttons, provide companionship, and assist in using public transportation.

Danielle says all ages are welcome to participate with, or without, a canine companion. All walkers are invited to meet in front of the Pet Valu store in Gibsons at 10 a.m. to register. The walk starts at 11 a.m. and meanders to Banditry Cider on Pratt Road. Because red is the colour used to signify the Canine Vision program, Danielle is encouraging all participants to wear red. 

Banditry was excited about the event too, says Danielle. “They're super pet friendly, so we thought it would be a great spot to host the social aspect of the walk afterwards.

“It's hopefully going to be good weather and everyone can gather outside. People can buy refreshments and there will be opportunities to take photos and just sort of get out there with the community as we support this great cause.”

The walk takes place Sunday, May 25, rain or shine, and participants can register in person at the store, 900 Gibsons Way or online. The couple is still looking for some sponsors and cash donations towards their fundraising goal. 

Sechelt walk

Leash up your furry friend and join Sunshine Coast Lions Club Zone Chair, Bill Conway, and his dog guide “Lionheart,” for a two-kilometre walk around Sechelt, June 1. 

Conway and Lionheart will be leading the pack, also walking to raise funds for Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.

Conway has navigated the streets of Sechelt for many years and is well-known to those who frequent the Cowrie Street area, and with Lionheart by his side he is unstoppable. Thanks to the foundation, Lionheart keeps Conway safer as he faces street crossings, pedestrian traffic and unexpected obstacles.

The Sechelt walk takes place at 11 a.m. June 1, with registration at 10:30 a.m. at Trail Bay Mall, outside of Pet Valu. The walk ends at Hackett Park where four-legged walkers will receive a doggie bag of treats and two-legged walkers will be treated to a hot dog or burger and a drink, provided by the Sunshine Coast Lions Club. 

You can register online in advance or June 1 at the start line, for a fee of $20.  Alternatively, if you are unable to participate in person, consider sponsoring one of the canine duos. 

For more information or to donate to Bill’s walk, check out walkfordogguides.com/fundraisers/billconway.