Four-month-old Norman is a guide dog puppy in training in Victoria and he’s counting on virtual fundraising to keep him in kibbles.
“All of our puppies are still placed in volunteer puppy raising homes and they still all require vaccines so just being able to keep up with those costs of food and vet care is important,” says Vancouver Island puppy training supervisor Samantha Jagt of BC & Alberta Guide Dogs.
The non-profit has about 85 pups in its puppy raising program right now.
But with hundreds of events cancelled on Vancouver Island due to the COVID pandemic, non-profits are having to get creative with fundraising and they’re taking events online.
“We’ve had an overwhelming response and by holding virtual events, we’re actually more inclusive and it gives us a bigger reach,” explains BC & Alberta Guide Dogs director of development Joni Wright.
In addition to hosting regular virtual trivia nights, Wright says they’re also working on a virtual golf fundraiser.
“It will allow donors to stroll through various golf courses and make a donation, you can make a donation to take a shot so to speak,” says Wright.
The 30th annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics B.C. is also taking place all this week — online.
“With the athletes kind of struggling right now being at home and not being able to compete in their sports, I think it’s so important for them to know we’re still there for them,” says torch run organizer Const. Sheri Lucas of the Oak Bay Police.
It’s the non-profit’s first-ever virtual torch run and participants are encouraged to post videos and photos to social media to spread awareness.
And everyone in the community is invited to take part when it works for them.
“You can do it on your own, you can do it with friends,” Const. Lucas says. “You can walk or you can run.”
The torch run is underway until June 7 and if you’d like to take part, you can click on this link to register.
B.C. & Alberta Guide Dogs’ next trivia night is June 26.
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Tess van Straaten
