Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is a charity that has operated solely through donations since 1984. The organization services all Canadians and has a volunteer network of approximately 400 people. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative impact, as it has for many charitable organizations. Many people cannot afford to give to charities or are stopping contributions for fear of losing jobs, shuttering businesses, and the uncertainty of their immediate or long-term futures.
In May 2020, a few volunteers from Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind were asked to make homemade masks. These individuals, who usually sew jackets for guide dogs in training or tiny jackets for stuffed dogs the organization sells as a fundraiser, sewed masks that could be used by employees of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. The masks were intended for immediate use by essential staff caring for the dogs, and non-essential staff for when they returned to work.
One volunteer, Barbara Annas, took this idea even further. I received a call from Barbara asking me if I could come to pick up $2,000 in cash designated towards the training of guide dogs. Unbeknownst to the organization, Barbara and a group of volunteers had continued making masks, selling them to their colleagues and contacts in the community and, in some cases, even strangers. All the proceeds were being donated to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
I thought this was such an innovative and generous project. As a charity, our donations dropped significantly due to COVID-19, so it is especially appreciated when people are so kind and go above and beyond expectations.
That could have been the end of the story, but Barbara and her team (Nancy Dunham, Kelly Ford, Bev Furniss, and Roselyn Murphy) didn’t stop there. As the demand for masks grew in the community, so did their desire to help. Another $1,400 was presented to Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind just a couple of weeks later.
“It wasn’t my idea,” says Barbara. “We were inspired originally after being asked to make masks for the staff at Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. I am so happy we can help during this difficult time. We plan to continue.”
Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind is happy too, receiving nearly $4,600 from this amazing group of volunteers, with more likely forthcoming.
To learn more about Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind or to donate, visit their website at www.guidedogs.ca
Steven Doucette is the Events Coordinator and Assistant to the COO at Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind
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