Ways to Donate
Securities
If you have public company shares that have increased in value, there are several tax advantages to transferring the actual appreciated shares as a donation, now or in the future. Securities can include stocks, mutual funds, segregated funds, bonds, flow-through shares, and employee stock options. Consult your financial advisor to decide which investments make the most financial and philanthropic impact. Ask your broker to transfer your securities to Lions Foundation of Canada by completing the Gift of Publicly Traded Securities form and emailing it to the address provided on the top of the form.
Sponsor a Dog Guide Team
There are many opportunities to provide support to the Dog Guide program as a partner or sponsor. Sponsoring a Dog Guide will cover a portion of the $35,000 that it costs to raise and train a puppy and ultimately match with its handler. Your support will help the Dog Guide team be partners for as long as 10 years, with a life-time of follow-up. Your sponsorship can be directed to the program of your choice.
Sponsor an Event
Fundraisers are an important way for us to raise money for Dog Guides programs and services. As a sponsor, you would be offsetting costs associated with running an event, whether it’s by donating with products or cash. You can run your own event and donate the proceeds to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides.
Bequests
Leaving even a small portion of your estate to charity can result in a bigger contribution than you ever thought possible, while still supporting those you love. By leaving a bequest in your will, you can ensure the causes you care about are supported beyond your lifetime. Benefits also include some potentially significant tax savings. Take a look at the free resources and tools – including the bequest tax calculator – on the Will Power website to learn about ways to give, connect with financial advisors and discuss what is best for you.
Wish List
The Wish List is a unique way to make a contribution to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. You can contribute an item or make a donation towards the purchase of an item.
Donate a Car
Both Charity Car and Donate a Car Canada accept vehicle donations for Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides. You will receive a tax receipt for your donation. Charity Car or Donate a Car Canada.
Life Insurance
In this situation, Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides would be a beneficiary on a life insurance policy. A gift of life insurance allows you to make a large gift in the future by making smaller tax-receiptible premium payments now.
RRSPs or TFSAs
If you own an RRSP or Tax-Free Savings Account, you can choose to designate Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides as the beneficiary.
Charitable Trusts
A charitable trust allows you to retain the income of current investments while making a gift to Lions Foundation of Canada in the future.
Memorial Gifts
Memorial Gifts celebrate the life of a loved one or a colleague in a meaningful way. They support the area of greatest need or a specific program and have a lasting impact. A gift notification will be sent to the designated individual or family member at the time of giving, and donors receive a tax receipt where eligible.
Donor Advised Funds
A fund held at a Community Foundation or bank has become quite popular. You can have your own “foundation” without the administrative burden of a private foundation.
Charitable Gift Annuities
A gift annuity guarantees payments to Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides for your lifetime, some of which can be tax-free. The portion of the sum you contribute is a gift that will immediately support Dog Guide programs.
Endowment Fund
An endowment fund is an excellent way to make your gift last well into the future. For gifts of $10,000 or more, an endowment can be established in your name. The interest generated annually from the investment is used to support Dog Guide programs.
Tribute Gifts
Tribute Gifts mark a special occasion or celebrate a milestone. Tribute Gifts can recognize someone who has had an impact on your life, honour a loved one, or celebrate a milestone. Your gift means more Canadians with disabilities will receive the life-changing support of a Dog Guide. A gift notification will be sent to the individual specified at the time of giving and donors will receive a tax receipt where eligible.
Pet Memorial Wall
The Pet Memorial Wall is a lasting tribute that commemorates the life of your pet . The Pet Memorial Wall is located in Breslau, ON, on the grounds of the Dog Guides training center, where many of our puppies begin their lives. Plaques are inscribed with the family and pet’s name. Recognition takes place at an annual dedication ceremony on the second Saturday of June. Email: info@dogguides.com Cost: $150
Memorial Forest
Commemorate the life of a loved one by planting a tree. This living memorial will grow and flourish over the years. Our Memorial Forest is located at our facility in Breslau, ON. The name of the deceased will be inscribed on a plaque and placed at the base of a tree at the annual dedication service on the second Saturday of June. A certificate will be sent to a designated family member or friend on the donor’s behalf. Email: info@dogguides.com Cost: $350
Your Donations at Work!
Marielle lends a paw in the Courtroom
Sometimes we need someone to simply be there for us. Facility Support Dog Marielle has proven this to be true. The court room can be a very scary place, especially for a child. Thankfully, Marielle is there to lend a paw. She provides love and support to children who have been through traumatic experiences explains handler Kristal Leblanc.
It can be very isolating in the witness box. Family members or safe supporters are seated far back in the gallery. It can be intimidating to have to tell a room full of adults details of what has happened, especially in sexual assault cases.
Since graduating from the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides, Marielle has worked on more than 75 trials. She is the first and only accredited facility support dog to be used in a New Brunswick courtroom. Her impact has been immeasurable.
I don’t know what we would do without her. There are things as professionals we can’t offer. We can’t go into the witness box and provide comfort and compassion. She just gives something that no other human could ever give.
Caroline & Gracie
Caroline, with Hearing Dog Guide Gracie, knows how life-changing a Dog Guide can be.
“At home when I take my cochlear implants off, I used to feel vulnerable living on my own, but with Gracie, I feel safe at home. I sleep soundly each night knowing that if the fire alarm ever went off, she would wake me up and save my life.
Every morning, she wakes me up — and gives me a nice morning cuddle too!
I no longer worry when I’m out walking by myself. Gracie makes me feel safe and gives me independence.
She’s my best friend, companion, and security guard all wrapped up in one.”