Patron Awards – 2024 Recipients
A Patron Award is a form of recognition or honour given to an individual or corporate partner that has shown exceptional service, commitment and on-going support in furthering the cause of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. Congratulations to our 2024 Patron Award recipients!
2024 Individual Patrons
Nancy Chiasson
Nancy is a consistent champion for LFCDG. In addition to her efforts in fostering, she attends just about every LFCDG sponsored event, actively raises funds for the Capital campaign as a member of the Ontario Lions Campaign Committee, dedicates countless hours to the Mosborough Busy Busy Lions Club who dedicate their fundraising efforts to LFCDG. She is a monthly donor and has generously supported the capital campaign financially.
As a board member of LFCDG, Nancy provides leadership and Chairs the Finance Committee, sits on the Executive Committee and actively engages in board discussions.
The combination of her commitment of time, expertise and wisdom, and financial support are immeasurable and truly exemplify what it means to be a patron.
Nancy is always looking for new ways to support LFCDG and helps engage local Lions, foster families and the community to rally around the Foundation.
Lion Brennan Beaumont, PCC
Brennan began his journey and passion for our Foundation early in his Lions journey. Passionate about LFCDG, he promoted the organization at any opportunity. He had his vehicle wrapped in support of LFCDG during his tenure as District Governor and travelled throughout New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Maine. He served as New Brunswick Director to LFCDG and assisted speaking to individuals about larger donations. Brennan further sat on the Board of Finance and represented the Foundation well. Brennan served as the LCLC campaign representative for New Brunswick and successfully secured a number of gifts conducting numerous presentations.
He gave personally and wholeheartedly. His impact on the Foundation will live on.
Cohen Matthews
Nominated by his grandmother, Cohen may be our youngest Patron Award recipient, at 11 years old. Clearly, his youth doesn’t hold him back! Over the past 5 years, Cohen has been a local voice for Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides in Western Newfoundland, and a true champion for the cause and advocate for those with Autism and those who are Dog Guide users. Cohen has been featured in radio interviews and news articles promoting the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, speaking about the impact his Dog Guide Kito has had on his life. He enjoys educating the public on the amazing work of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
In addition to his news interviews, Cohen is featured in LFCDG’s 2023 promotional video, positively representing the Autism Assistance Program. In Cohen’s words he is “giving back as much as I can, because they changed my life by giving me Kito.”
If all of this was not enough for an 11-year-old, Cohen has taken it upon himself to develop a presentation for elementary school age classrooms where he introduces students to Dog Guides. He explains how to interact with a Dog Guide, how his Dog Guide Kito helps him, and so much more. To date Cohen has presented to over 20 classrooms in Western Newfoundland.
2024 Corporate Patrons
Rexall Care Network
The generous contributions of the Rexall Care Network have made a profound impact on the lives of the families of Autism Assistance Dog Guides Rose and Robin, and the future families of Rex and Luna. We are deeply grateful for their financial support and active participation in highlighting our partnership through Town Halls, newsletters, social media and employee engagement activities. Rexall’s efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness and generating support for Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA)
GTAA has helped to coordinate monthly training sessions at Pearson Airport which have become an extension of Dog Guides training. For almost three years, staff, clients and dogs have benefited from this program, helping to create better-prepared, more confident air travelers. The time and effort GTAA has invested in our success will reap benefits for years to come.
Congratulations to our newest Individual and Corporate Patrons, and a heartfelt thank you to all of our current and past recipients for your incredible support.