Meeting Minutes

Announcements

• Coldest Night of the Year - Event Date: February 28. Ray Finnie has registered a team. You can sign up or sponsor the team here: https://secure.e2rm.com/registrant/TeamFundraisingPage.aspx?teamID=1040050
• Condolences - Ian Robertson thanked the club and members for their condolences and support following his mother’s funeral.

Birthdays

Guess the Member

Guests

50/50 Draw

• Gerald Menezes
• Gerald Menezes
• Graham Gardiner

Guest Speaker

• Nancy has volunteered with the Lions Dog Guides for over 10 years and has raised 11 puppies for the program.
• Puppies are received at 8 weeks old and trained until 15 months old before advanced training in Oakville.
• Dogs are then trained for specific roles and matched with clients across Canada.
• Clients spend 10 days at the Oakville facility for final training with their dog.

Stories Shared:

• Erve – Matched with Garry, who lost his sight and independence. Erve restored Garry’s confidence and independence and even saved his life.
• Yeti – Matched with Payton, a young woman with autism and eating disorders. Yeti helped Payton attend school and succeed academically.
• Ranger – Works with Jody, an OPP Wellness Officer. Ranger provides emotional support to officers after traumatic events.

Additional Details:

• Cost per dog: $35,000 (covered by the foundation; clients only pay ongoing care costs).
• Dogs remain property of the Lions Dog Guides until retirement.
• Breeds: Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Lab-Golden crosses, and Standard Poodles.
• For more information or to donate: https://www.dogguides.com

Closing