A look at seven years of impact through CNIB Pup Crawl
Seven years ago, one moment made everything click for Mary and John Crocker.
At a CNIB Guide Dogs graduation, a young boy stood beside his new buddy dog and spoke about what she meant to him. He had already faced many challenges in his young life, and it was clear that this partnership was about more than just learning to care for a dog – it was about comfort, connection, and something to call his own.
For Mary and John Crocker, that was when the impact of the CNIB Guide Dogs program truly hit home.
“Hearing him speak about what the dog meant to him was incredibly moving,” says Mary. “In that moment, we knew we had made the right choice to support CNIB Guide Dogs.”
Since then, they’ve seen that impact unfold again and again.
From one moment to ongoing support
As long-time supporters of CNIB, the Crockers chose to focus their giving on CNIB Guide Dogs in part because of what makes the program unique: its commitment to ensuring that anyone who needs a guide dog can receive one, regardless of financial circumstances.
That commitment has also shaped their support of CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl. For the past seven years, Mary and John have helped drive the campaign forward through a generous matching gift of $50,000 – doubling the impact of donations and helping more guide dog partnerships become possible across Canada.
Over the years, they’ve followed the journeys of dogs from puppyhood through training and into partnership – seeing firsthand how these relationships change lives. They’ve watched children meet their buddy dogs for the first time. And they’ve seen the confidence and independence a guide dog brings to someone navigating the world with sight loss.
“We’ve seen how life-changing a guide dog can be,” says John. “It brings joy, companionship, and independence.”
They’ve also come to appreciate the community behind every dog – the volunteer puppy raisers, trainers, and donors who all play a role in making each partnership possible. That shared effort, and the tangible impact it creates, is what keeps them committed year after year.
“We were taught that those who can should give,” says Mary. “When you contribute to the guide dog program, you know your support is changing someone’s life.”
Seven years on – and still going strong
Today, as the need for guide dogs continues to grow across Canada, the Crockers’ support remains as strong as ever.
That includes their continued commitment to CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl – where, once again this year, they’re matching donations up to $50,000 to support even more guide dog partnerships.
Reaching the seven-year mark of their Pup Crawl support has only strengthened that commitment.
“Seeing the program expanding every year shows the dedication of the staff, puppy raisers and trainers, and confirms our decision to continue to support the program,” says Mary.
On behalf of everyone at CNIB – and the guide and buddy dog teams made possible through your support – thank you, Mary and John Crocker, for your remarkable generosity.
Build on Mary and John’s commitment
For seven years, Mary and John Crocker have helped power the CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl through their generous matching gift. Now, you can be part of what comes next.
Join Pup Crawl and help raise funds to support guide dogs in communities across Canada. Every dollar you raise or donate will be matched up to $50,000 thanks to the Crockers – helping more dogs become life-changing partners. Register or donate today at cnib.ca/pupcrawl.