Pet Valu Celebrates 40th Anniversary of Dog Guides’ Fundraising Walk

Core Points - The Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides will take place on May 25, 2025, in 200 communities across Canada, aiming to raise $1.6 million for providing dog guides to Canadians with disabilities at no cost [3][4] - The event marks the 40th anniversary of the Walk, which started as a small community event and has grown significantly, now supporting seven different programs with over 800 working dog guides [4][5] - Each dog guide costs approximately$35,000 to breed, raise, train, and place, highlighting the financial need for fundraising events like the Pet Valu Walk [4] Company Overview - Pet Valu is Canada's leading retailer of pet food and supplies, with over 800 locations and a strong commitment to community involvement through sponsorship and participation in events like the Pet Valu Walk [8] - The company has been a national sponsor of the Walk since 2017 and has contributed significantly to the Dog Guides organization, including financial support for over 220 dog guide teams [6][8] - Pet Valu is also investing in a new $50 million training facility to enhance its support for Dog Guides and increase the number of teams graduated annually [5][6] Industry Impact - The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides provides essential services to Canadians with disabilities, empowering them to live independently by offering dog guides at no cost [9] - The organization has evolved over the past four decades, expanding its programs and increasing its operational capacity, which is supported by community fundraising events like the Pet Valu Walk [4][5] - The collaboration between Pet Valu and Dog Guides exemplifies the positive impact of corporate sponsorship in the non-profit sector, enhancing the quality of life for individuals with disabilities [7][9]