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This May, help me “walk across Canada” to give more Canadians a new leash on life!
From guiding their handlers through their daily lives to getting help when it's needed most, Dog Guides play a crucial role in the lives of Canadians with disabilities. By supporting me with a donation to the Pet Valu Walk for Dog Guides, you are enabling Lions Foundation to fulfill their mission to empower Canadians with disabilities to navigate their world with confidence and independence by providing Dog Guides at no cost to them and supporting each pair in their journey together.
Please donate now and support me in my challenge!
My Updates

Life-Changing Service Dogs for Diabetics - like my son Luke.
Monday 7th AprIn March 2020, my son was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, a lifelong condition with no cure. While advancements in technology - such as glucose monitors and insulin pumps—have made management easier, the risk remains that his blood sugar could drop dangerously low while he sleeps, potentially leading to a diabetic coma or worse.
My son was in Grade 9 at the time, just starting high school. His diagnosis came on Friday, March 13, 2020 - right before Spring Break and, coincidentally, the first day of the COVID-19 lockdown.
It was the worst possible time for him to receive life-altering news that would change his future forever. Suddenly, he had to track everything he ate, regularly test his blood sugar, and inject insulin multiple times a day - all to stay alive.
As a parent, I did everything I could to help him navigate this new reality. I searched for resources, supports, and ways to make his life easier. That’s when I discovered something incredible - a service dog trained to assist people with Type 1 Diabetes!
In my research, I came across a book by Max Domi, NHL player and son of Toronto Maple Leafs legend Tie Domi. Max also has Type 1 Diabetes. In his book, he describes how his demanding hockey schedule takes him across North America, often leaving him alone at night in hotels or at home, with no one to help if his blood sugar drops dangerously low.
That’s why he relies on his service dog - a highly trained companion that can detect changes in his blood sugar and wake him up before it's too late. For Max, this dog is more than a pet - it’s a lifesaving partner.
With university on the horizon for my son, I started looking into the process of getting him a service dog. Unfortunately, resources are extremely limited, and waitlists are long due to the extensive training involved.
Why Am I Sharing This With You?
I’ve joined the effort to raise funds for this critical cause. Along with my colleagues at Alectra, I’m helping raise awareness and donations for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides - an organization that provides highly trained service dogs to Canadians with disabilities at no cost to them.
It costs approximately $35,000 to breed, train, and place a Dog Guide with someone in need? And Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides receives no government funding? They rely entirely on the generosity of donors like you to continue their life-changing work.
I’m asking for your support. Every donation, no matter the amount, helps provide more Dog Guides to Canadians living with disabilities - including, one day, my son.
Please consider donating today: https://www.walkfordogguides.com/fundraisers/johanfriesen
With your help, we can make sure more people - whether living with Type 1 Diabetes, vision impairments, mobility challenges, or other disabilities - receive the lifesaving support these incredible dogs provide.
Thank you for your kindness and generosity!
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Thank you to my Sponsors

$300
Skylar Media

$100
Azeez Nazir

$100
Richard Bassindale

$100
Blair Peberdy

$100
Joseph Almeida

$100
Anonymous

$100
Tina Bekeros

$100
Lynne Cunningham
Have a great walk! Such a good cause.

$100
Jamie Gribbon

$75
Luisa Tersigni
Part II

$50
Alan Palmer
Great cause John, good luck!

$50
Joanne Campea

$50
Jeralyn Espiritu

$50
Johan Friesen

$50
Andrew Perry

$50
Kerry Lakatos-hayward
Good luck with the walk. A great cause

$50
Roberto Martini
Wishing you and Luke the very best of health services always!

$50
Chris Wray

$50
Frank Varao

$50
Julia Zhu

$50
Nicole Harriott
OneTeam

$50
Chris Hudson

$50
Peter Del Nero

$50
Shelley Parker

$50
Angela Yan

$50
Shelly Watson

$50
Kerri-ann Drinkwalter

$30
Elena Yampolsky

$25
Pramila Cordeiro
A great cause, hope it gets all the support it deserves. Good luck to you and the team!

$25
Leslie Lim

$25
Sandy Dorschu

$25
Luisa Tersigni
Great cause!

$25
Marisa Aguiar

$25
Lee Dapp

$25
Perry Amon

$25
Adam Pallett

$25
Ravi Chetal

$25
Kristen Obrien

$25
Emily Negyeliczky

$25
Jim Rees

$25
Candace Gary
Great cause: all the best

$22
Alona Andronikova
Good Luck raising funds! Everyone deserves a loyal friend by their side.
Our Team

Andrew Newitt (C)
$500.00

Sandra Trelle

Anthony Hunt

RACHEL DOMJAN
$525.00

Felix Sarduy
$405.00

catherine blair
$530.00

Michael Tobin
$25.00

Riley Curphey
$100.00

Johan Friesen
$2,402.00

Harmeet Singh

Lora Dutra
$200.00
