ATTENTION T-BALL AND JUNIOR ROOKIE PLAYERS

Since 1983, the lives of over 1200 men, women and children from the age of 8 to 84, have been enriched by the services of specially trained Dog Guides from Lions Foundation of Canada.

These Dog Guide "handlers" from as far east as St John's, Newfoundland, and as far west as Victoria BC., have experienced the enrichment of their lives through newfound freedom and independence with the companionship and assistance of a devoted Dog Guide partner.

Newmarket Baseball and Lions Foundation of Canada invite you to become an active supporter and participant in this hands-on humanitarian service. Please save your pennies for this important fundraiser.

Article from the Era Banner April 2, 2010

At bat for guide dogs

Tim Brown was preparing to make a presentation to the North Newmarket Lions members last year when he noticed rolls of pennies on the table.

It was the first hint the service club was looking for coppers. Now, the Newmarket Baseball Association is planning to save up its pennies, and not for a rainy day.

The organization's 21 t-ball and rookie ball levels will collect pennies this season in an effort to assist the North Newmarket Lions in its Pennies for Puppies program, which assists in matching guide dogs and humans.

The guide dog drive supplies trained canine companions for not only visually impaired people, but also hearing ear dogs and provides another avenue for charity. Dogs are also trained as guides for people with other medical and physical disabilities.

"We've discussed how to give back to our sponsors and the community," NBA president Tim Brown said, noting the service club is a long-time team sponsor. "Pennies are pretty straightforward. If you've got a few pennies after your Tim's run for coffee on the way to the game, we'll take them."

The Lions plan to have a visual guide dog and owner present when the NBA kicks off its season at the Newmarket Fairgrounds April 15.

Training a basic guide dog puppy costs approximately $26,000 to $27,000 from birth to client, North Newmarket Lions second vice-president Lorne Bryon said.

"Our thinking is that it is a great way to get involved in community and a recognition of something valuable for the community," he said.

Since 1983, the Lions Foundation of Canada has provided guide dogs to more than 1,200 Canadians.