About The Foundation

Lions Foundation of Canada is a federally incorporated charitable foundation founded by the Lions Clubs of Canada.

Its mission is to provide service to physically challenged Canadians in the areas of mobility, safety, and independence.

Lions Foundation of Canada was incorporated on February 20, 1983, and provides Dog Guides to Canadians through three on-going programs…Canine Vision Canada, Hearing Ear Dogs of Canada, and Special Skills Dogs of Canada.

Our Programs
Lions Foundation of Canada operates Dog Guides Canada. In addition to training Dog Guides for people who are blind or visually impaired, the Foundation also trains Dog Guides to meet the needs of Canadians with hearing and other medically and physically limiting disabilities. All programs are funded through many sources of private donations, and are offered at no charge to clients.

Qualified legally blind Canadians can receive a Canine Vision Canada (CVC) Dog Guide. These dogs increase their handler's mobility and self-confidence by enabling their handlers to travel safely through crowded areas, traffic, and around obstacles. Providing a Dog Guide to a person who is blind or visually impaired, brings comfort in knowing they'll never walk alone.

Hearing Ear (HEDC) Dogs are trained to alert deaf or hard of hearing handlers to sounds they cannot detect. Commonly, these dogs alert clients to sounds such as a ringing telephone, or door bell, a child or baby crying, the calling of the client's name and the sound of an activated fire alarm or smoke detector. For the hard of hearing, these dogs become a link to the sounds of the world around them.

The training of Special Skills (SSD) Dog Guides includes teaching the dog to turn a light switch on and off, open and close doors and drawers, retrieve items such as a pencil or keys, and get help should the client be in potential danger. The constant companionship of a trusted canine partner brings independence and comfort to the lives of Canadians with physical disabilities.