A critical program that aids thousands of individuals living with disabilities is facing significant financial challenges, prompting a call for government assistance to address a substantial $20 million shortfall. The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, an organization dedicated to training guide dogs, has only two months to secure the funding needed to complete the construction of a new facility.
The foundation has reached out to the Ontario government, led by Premier Doug Ford, as well as the public, in a bid to avert the permanent closure of their vital services. Jacob Ormonde, one of the individuals significantly impacted by the program, shared his experiences with his guide dog, Zenith. As a person who is hard of hearing, Ormonde relies on Zenith to alert him to various sounds, including fire alarms. He described his past year with Zenith as "transformative," emphasizing the newfound sense of safety and independence he has gained.
Ormonde expressed how having a hearing dog has positively affected his day-to-day life. He previously experienced anxiety about potential dangers, such as waking up to a fire alarm without knowing, which led him to feel fearful at night. However, with Zenith by his side, he now feels secure. "He has helped me connect with the hearing world. People who are hearing impaired often deal with a lot of isolation," Ormonde noted. Thanks to Zenith, he has experienced a profound change in his social life, stating, "I’m no longer a hermit at home; I’m a social butterfly."
The Lions Foundation is currently operating out of an old public school built in the 1930s, which has become inadequate given the increasing demand for their services. They are midway through the construction of a new 89,000 square foot training facility located in Oakville, Ontario. However, the construction has been halted due to financial constraints. CEO Bev Crandell explained that the foundation has managed to secure $60 million of the $80 million required for the project but is facing an immediate cash shortfall of $20 million that needs to be addressed by October.
The shortfall stems from various factors, including escalating building costs and the expansion of the project's scope and size. To address this challenge, the foundation is seeking assistance from the public to raise $5 million and is urging Queen's Park to fund the remaining amount. Crandell emphasized the importance of their services, stating that they not only benefit the clients directly but also reduce the financial burden on government services. "The ability for our clients to gainfully seek employment or reintegrate into society reduces their dependence on social services," she added, expressing a willingness to collaborate with the government.
Since its inception, the facility has positively impacted over 3,000 individuals with disabilities across Canada, with 50 percent of clients residing in Ontario. Premier Doug Ford's office has acknowledged the situation, confirming that they have met with the organization and are exploring various options to support the crucial training center.
As Ormonde poignantly expressed, "Dog guides change lives every day... without Zenith in my life, I would be lost.” This sentiment encapsulates the vital role that the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides plays in enhancing the lives of those living with disabilities, highlighting the urgent need for financial support to ensure the continuation of their essential services.
