Become a Dog Guides Guardian!
The Dog Guides Guardians are a key group of donors who give monthly to the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides
Why Give Monthly?
Dog Guides Guardians provide a reliable source of funding
Here’s what your monthly donation can do.
Will help train and recruit volunteers to assist our mission
Provides 2 days of personalized support for one Dog Guide Team
Pays for essential supplies and training materials for a class of 6 Dog Guide recipients who come to train with their new Dog Guide at our Training School in Oakville
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the monthly deductions made?
Monthly gifts are safely and securely deducted each month on the calendar date when you first sign up. We mail one convenient annual tax receipt before tax time.
Why donate monthly rather than making a one-time donation?
Dog Guide Guardians’ monthly donations provide us with an important, reliable, and predictable source of funding, allowing us to plan for the future and deliver on our mission. Monthly donations go farther because they reduce our administrative and postage costs – meaning more of your support goes directly to providing life-changing Dog Guides.
For some, a large lump sum donation at the end of the year is not always possible. A small monthly donation can fit easily into most budgets — and it’s automatic! No need to remember to donate each month.
What if I want to change or update my payment details?
You are in charge. If for any reason you need to make changes to your monthly gift, you can do so through the website – a link will be emailed to you when you sign up. Keep that email and the link will allow you to make changes whenever you need to. It’s easy!
Is my monthly donation a contract?
You are in complete control of your monthly donation; it is not a contract. There is no minimum duration required, though we do ask Dog Guide Guardians to consider giving for at least 12 months. Most monthly donors find the process so simple and rewarding that they give for many, many years.
One of the benefits of monthly giving is the ability to control the amount of your gift and make adjustments when needed, so that your gift always fits within your budget. There is no fee to change or cancel a monthly donation.
How can I make my donation to the Dog Guides Guardian monthly program and become a Dog Guides Guardian?
Dog Guides Guardians can give monthly via credit card. Set up your donation through our online form. Select “monthly” and insert your chosen monthly donation amount. Thank you for becoming a Dog Guides Guardian!
When will I receive my tax receipt?
Consolidated tax receipts for our Dog Guides Guardian Monthly Donors are sent out each year in February by mail or email. Mailed receipts are sent via Canada Post, so there may occasionally be delays outside of our control.
if your tax receipt hasn’t arrived by March 1, please contact Vanessa Zablocki in our finance team at vzablocki@dogguides.com.
How long does my donation continue for? Do I have to renew my gift each year?
As a Dog Guides Guardian, your monthly donation will continue indefinitely. It does not automatically expire after a set period of time. You can update your payment details (e.g. a new expiry date on your credit card) using the link provided to you when you sign up. You are in control of your donation and can make changes through the website using that link, or contact us any time with questions or to make changes to your gift at guardians@dogguides.com
How do I update my contact details?
If you have moved and would like to update your mailing address for your tax receipt please email guardians@dogguides.com
How can I limit the mail I receive?
We understand that some people would prefer limited mailings— both print and/or email. Whether it be just once a year or none at all or no solicitations – let us know what your preference is by sending an email including your name and address to guardians@dogguides.com or calling us at 1-800-768-3030 Dial O.
Please note that it is possible that you may receive one final piece of mail from us, as our mailings are prepared up to 2 months in advance.
Can I pause my Dog Guides Guardian monthly donation?
Absolutely! If you have a large expense coming up or know you may need to take a brief break from your regular donation, you can cancel or pause your donation anytime via the link provided when you first sign up or by contacting us at guardians@dogguides.com .
The Dog Guides Guardian Experience
Is my donation supporting one single Dog Guide?
Monthly donations support all the work we do at Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides rather than one individual dog. Monthly donations can be directed to one or our seven specific Dog Guide programs. Just ask us!
We provide updates to our Dog Guide Guardians on the impact of these special donations. We will focus on the impact our dogs have on our clients from coast to coast.
What can I expect to receive as a Dog Guides Guardian?
As a Dog Guides Guardian, you will receive a welcome letter with a brochure about our Dog Guide programs as well as a fridge magnet which is our official Dog Guides Guardian badge. We hope you display it with pride! You’ll also receive regular emails from us, providing you with updates on what’s happening at Dog Guides. You’ll also receive the Dog Guide Pawsitivity Report each year filled with all kinds of success stories, news updates, and information about Dog Guides and their impact.
We may call you to thank you. Our Dog Guide Guardians are pretty special so our volunteers might call just to thank you and ask if you have any questions about your donation or our work.
When will my welcome package arrive?
Your welcome package should arrive within 4 weeks. Welcome packages are mailed via Canada Post, so there may occasionally be delays outside of our control.
If your welcome package hasn’t arrived after six weeks, please contact us at guardians@dogguides.com and request a new package.
How is my donation used?
Dog Guide Guardian Monthly donations support the mission of Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides which is to empower Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence by providing Dog Guides at no cost to them and supporting each pair in their journey together. Each Dog Guide costs approximately $35,000 to raise, train and place with their recipient. As a national charity, the Foundation relies entirely on donations and does not receive any government funding. Dog Guides are provided in seven distinct Dog Guide programs – Canine Vision, Hearing, Diabetic Alert, Service, Seizure Response, Facility Support, and Autism Assistance.
Each month, your donation supports:
- Regular vet check-ups
- Vaccinations
- Harnesses, leashes, haltis and other equipment
- Toys and enrichment
- Support for our volunteer foster families who raise our future Dog Guides
- Advanced specialized training
- Ongoing support for Dog Guide teams
- Orientation and mobility training