Pet Valu walk raises more than $10K during ‘urgent’ time for Canadian service dogs

The 17th annual Pet Valu walk in Orillia, Ont., on Sun., Sept. 28, 2025.

Tudhope Park in Orillia was the site of the 17th annual Pet Valu walk for dog guides Sunday morning, which raised thousands to support canines are who relied on as more than pets.

The walk raised $14,000 for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides and their training programs.

“I was introduced thirteen years ago when my husband and I bought our first franchise location to this foundation and right away it was something I knew I wanted to stand behind,” said Erin O’Reilly, co-owner of three Pet Valu locations between Orillia and Midland.

The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides provides dog guides to help those dealing with visual impairment, seizures, autism and diabetes among other conditions.

“They provide these amazing dogs free of charge,” added O’Reilly. “That is why fundraising is so important. Together with my head office, the Pet Valu family works hard every year holding many types of fundraising events with all proceeds going directly to the foundation.”

Laura Joyce, an Orillia resident who deals with impaired vision, relies on Polly, her dog guide.

“The dogs that are sponsored improve and enhance (the lives) of differently-abled Canadians,” said Joyce.

In an August 2025 news release, the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides announced the launch of its most ‘urgent’ fundraising campaign in its history.

The ‘urgency’ was cited to be the result of a $20 million shortfall that caused a pause in the construction of Canada’s largest dog guide training school, which the organization says could put its future at risk.

The foundation is hoping to raise that $20 million in funding by the end of October.