TORONTO, Nov. 23, 2018 /CNW/ - After months of extensive training, CNIB Guide Dogs is excited to announce the graduation of its inaugural guide dog class. In total, six dogs have been paired with handlers from across Canada and are ready to embark on a lifelong journey in helping their human counterpart live a fully independent life.
"This is a milestone for our guide dog program," said John Rafferty, CNIB president and CEO. "We've been able to see our vision for this program come to life and exceed our expectations. Today, we get to see it all come together as our first guide dogs and their handlers start on their new journey together."
The six graduating dogs have been partnered with individuals from across the country:
"I'm pleased this new program is expanding the availability of guide dogs in Canada," says Victoria Nolan, Head, Stakeholder Relations & Community Engagement, CNIB Guide Dog Program. "We look forward to continuing to support our first graduating class with ongoing training and aftercare as they return to their home communities this week."
There are almost half a million blind and partially sighted people in Canada. For some, a guide dog provides an unparalleled level of mobility, freedom and confidence — opening up the world in a whole new way. To help support the ever-expanding program, the CNIB Foundation will be launching its holiday guide dog campaign on November 27, 2018.
About the CNIB Foundation
Celebrating 100 years in 2018, the CNIB Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast. To learn more or get involved, visit cnib.ca.
SOURCE CNIB
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"This is a milestone for our guide dog program," said John Rafferty, CNIB president and CEO. "We've been able to see our vision for this program come to life and exceed our expectations. Today, we get to see it all come together as our first guide dogs and their handlers start on their new journey together."
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The six graduating dogs have been partnered with individuals from across the country:
- Charles Mossop from Qualicum, B.C., has been matched with Baker;
- Ashley Nemeth, Regina, Sask., has been matched with Danson;
- Danika Blackstock, Kitchener, Ont., has been matched with Ulysses;
- Cindy Shone, Toronto, Ont., has been matched with Barney;
- Alycia Pottie, Halifax, N.S., has been matched with Piper; and
- Sandy Benoit – Kanata, Ont., has been matched with Keller.
"I'm pleased this new program is expanding the availability of guide dogs in Canada," says Victoria Nolan, Head, Stakeholder Relations & Community Engagement, CNIB Guide Dog Program. "We look forward to continuing to support our first graduating class with ongoing training and aftercare as they return to their home communities this week."
There are almost half a million blind and partially sighted people in Canada. For some, a guide dog provides an unparalleled level of mobility, freedom and confidence — opening up the world in a whole new way. To help support the ever-expanding program, the CNIB Foundation will be launching its holiday guide dog campaign on November 27, 2018.
About the CNIB Foundation
Celebrating 100 years in 2018, the CNIB Foundation is a non-profit organization driven to change what it is to be blind today. We deliver innovative programs and powerful advocacy that empower people impacted by blindness to live their dreams and tear down barriers to inclusion. Our work is powered by a network of volunteers, donors and partners from coast to coast to coast. To learn more or get involved, visit cnib.ca.
SOURCE CNIB