Joe Sams Leisure Park went to the dogs on Good Friday - but it was for a great cause.
The Centre Road site was one of six locations for the 26th Annual Easter Egg Hunt in support of National Service Dogs (NSD).
The goal was to raise $70,000 this year for the Cambridge-based organization, which has graduated over 555 Certified Service Dog Teams since it began in 1996 and has helped many service dog organizations around the world start their own autism programs. NSD programs also include Certified Service Dogs for PTSD, Canine Assisted Intervention and Companion Dog Services.
In 1996, National Service Dogs pioneered the program of breeding, training and placing certifi
ed service dogs with children with autism. Over the last 25 years, NSD has graduated over 555 Certified Service Dog Teams, helped many service dog organizations around the world start their own autism programs, and has started three new programs: Certified Service Dogs for PTSD, Canine Assisted Intervention and Companion Dog Services.
In addition to the Waterdown location, Good Friday egg hunts ran in Calgary, Guelph, Kitchener, London and Windsor.
"Together, we will empower children with autism and restore independence to veterans and first responders living with Post Traumatic Stress (PTSD)," said NSD in a press release.
In total, more than 750 dogs and families participated in this year's Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs, with 100 dogs and their families taking part at the Joe Sams Park event. Each pooch hunted for eggs to receive treats and prize tokens, and received swag bags and the chance to win addiitonal prizes.
National Service Dogs does not receive government funding and relies on Community Fundraising events such as the Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs to support our work. All funds raised from the event through pledges support National Service Dogs’ award-winning certified service dog programs.
