CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl April 29 to May 29, 2020. Image of Future Guide Dog Rookie wearing Ottawa Senators jersey.

Virtual 5 km ‘Pup Crawl’ to raise funds for CNIB Guide Dogs

(CARLETON PLACE – Apr. 27, 2020) CNIB Guide Dogs is launching a virtual 5 km fundraiser in honour of International Guide Dog Day – a special day that honours guide dogs and the important work they do for Canadians with sight loss.

The inaugural CNIB Guide Dogs Pup Crawl kicks off April 29, providing Canadians with an opportunity to stay active in a safe way during the COVID-19 pandemic, all while supporting CNIB Guide Dogs in communities across Canada. Participants will have from Apr. 29 to May 29, 2020 to register and complete their 5 km.

“Whether you walk, jog, run, dance, skip or crawl, it’s up to you,” says Diane Bergeron, president of CNIB Guide Dogs and handler to Carla, a two-year-old golden retriever. “Participants who complete the race from home are encouraged to get creative – walk laps around the house, jog in the back yard, hula hoop in the driveway, or dance in the kitchen.”

Those who complete the race outdoors are asked to abide by the safety measures and precautions advised by the Public Health Agency of Canada – such as keeping a distance of two metres from others, staying close to home, and not going out in groups.

Participants can track their progress on their FitBit or using an app on their smartphone. It’s on the honour system, so no proof is required. The average person takes 30 to 40 minutes to run 5 km and 45 to 60 minutes to walk; if choosing an activity other than running or walking, aim for between 30 to 60 minutes.

The registration fee for the Pup Crawl is $30. All proceeds raised support CNIB Guide Dogs in communities across Canada. There is also the option to donate or collect pledges for those who would like to take it to the next level.

Everyone who collects pledges for the Pup Crawl will have the chance to name a future CNIB Guide Dog. The top three participants who raise the most pledges will have the opportunity to name a future CNIB Guide Dog. The winning names will be announced this summer.

For more information or to register, visit cnib.ca/pupcrawl.

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