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Fundraiser, raffle to benefit service dogs

May 6, 2015   ·   0 Comments

As training, technology, and knowledge have advanced, it has become clear that service dogs provide a level of companionship, safety and the freedom of being able to care more for oneself when faced with a problem that would inhibit that normally.

From seeing eye dogs and hearing dogs, programs have grown to extend to services beyond simply physical inhibitors, as research has shown that service dogs can assist those facing different mental illnesses as well.

National Service Dogs is a non-profit charity that is dedicated to enriching the life of individuals living with special needs such as autism, veterans or non-veterans suffering with long-term post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as individuals with specific needs.

Much like Canada Dog Guides, NSD’s specially trained Labradors and Golden Retrievers are provided free of charge to families in need through their four programs: Certified Service Dogs for Autism, PTSD, Canine Assisted Intervention and Companion Dogs.

The program, however, does not receive any funding from the government, which means they rely entirely on funding from the general public, community service clubs, corporate sponsors and fundraising events.

Local resident and performer, Debbie Campaigne (Jordan), has had the opportunity to experience first-hand the impact these service dogs can have on a person in need. Her son, Sam, received a Service Dog just over a year ago, to assist with his autism.

“The progress we have seen in Sam has been amazing,” said Ms. Campaigne. “He’s been taking his dog to school with him over the last two months and among the many improvements we have seen, he has had an increased level of awareness, is socializing better, and his reading has gone up three levels. The benefits have been astounding.”

Prior to finding out about the National Service Dogs program, Ms. Campaigne and her husband did not have much information on methods they could use to help their son. With limited local resources, they had to go to Brampton for more information, which was where they heard about the program. Now, after having seen such a high success with their son, Ms. Campaigne and her husband have put together a fundraiser to assist the NSD and raise awareness about their programs.

“There are so many people and parents in my position who aren’t even aware that this program exists,” said Ms. Campaigne.

“We really wanted to help raise awareness that there is something for kids who are on the spectrum, that it’s available, and to let people know that they can help.”

On Saturday, they are hosting a Dinner, Show and Dance fundraiser at the Masonic Lodge, complete with a Raffle and door prizes.

With Ms. Campaign’s history as a singer/performer and member of the Sand Storm Belly Dancers in Orangeville, the event promises to be an exciting evening for a great cause.

“We’re hoping, that if it goes really well, we can turn this into an annual event,” she added.

“We really just want to be able to see this grow into something bigger that can really benefit National Service Dogs.”

Tickets to the event cost $30 each, or $50 per couple.

The evening is a licensed event for ages 19 and over. Doors open at 6 p.m. on Saturay, May 9 at the Masonic Lodge on Fifth Avenue.

To purchase tickets, contact Debbie at 519-215-1840 or Donna Fairly (Sand Storm) at 519-215-1840.

National Service Dogs is an accredited organization through the Imagine Canada Standards Program.

For more information visit www.nsd.on.ca.

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