Dogged volunteer helps give the blind eyes

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Bev Lefko volunteers for Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, which provided Tim McIsaac with Jerry. 'I just have so much more freedom and independence,' McIsaac said. (JOHN WOODS / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Tim McIsaac was born without sight. Luckily, he's had help adapting to living in a sighted world from Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, a national non-profit organization based in Ontario that breeds, trains and then provides guide dogs to visually impaired Canadians at virtually no cost.

Today, McIsaac, a provincial government employee, relies on help from Jerry, a three-year-old yellow Labrador retriever. Together, they manoeuvre the streets of Winnipeg, travelling each day from their home in Charleswood to McIsaac's downtown office.

"For me, I just have so much more freedom and independence with a dog," said McIsaac, adding Jerry is his third dog from the organization. "You can walk real time like a sighted person does. Whether you go somewhere by yourself every day or not, just knowing that you can is really a good thing for your sense of security and well-being and morale."

He said he pays $1 to lease Jerry for life from the organization, plus pays for the dog's food and veterinary bills. The organization covers all other costs associated with breeding and training the dogs, ensuring they are prepared to be guide dogs. This is made possible through the support of volunteers who help to fundraise and raise awareness about what the organization does.

Here in Winnipeg, Bev Lefko takes on that responsibility.

Four years ago, she was on a business trip and she noticed one of the organization's large coin banks, shaped like a dog. She inquired about the charity and became drawn to its mission and purpose.

"I've just been always amazed at the connection between dogs and human beings," said Lefko, who works with Human Resources Social Development Canada. "My first question was 'Why don't we have anything like this in Winnipeg?' They said because they don't have anyone who volunteers. I signed up, and four years later, I'm still working with them."

She said she delivers and picks up donation boxes and looks for places to display them.

Lefko also sets up information booths in places such as malls or at large community events to educate the public about the organization. She has also convinced a few people to sign up for payroll-deducted donations. All money raised in Manitoba goes towards providing visually impaired Manitobans with dogs.

She added she's met several people who have received dogs, and they're always appreciative of volunteers.

"I am just so amazed at how grateful the clients are and how well that they connect with their guide dogs," Lefko said. "I know that from volunteering you can change the life of one person at a time."

If you want more information about Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind or want to volunteer, call (613) 692-7777 or email info@guidedogs.ca . There's a volunteer application form on the website www.guidedogs.ca .

If you know a special volunteer who strives to make his or her community a better place to live, please contact Erin Madden at erinmadden@shaw.ca .

A list of volunteer opportunities advertised in the Winnipeg area. For more information about these listings, please contact the person/organization directly. You may also call (204) 477- 5180 ext. 230 to set up an appointment to see an interviewer at Volunteer Manitoba. Email noreen.mian@volunteermanitoba.ca or visit the website www.mbvolunteer.ca for other volunteer opportunities.

-- Camp Quality Manitoba is looking for volunteer companions and support companions for a week-long summer camp. Support companions provide one-on-one support and participate in all daily activities. Information: www.campquality.com or cqmbinfo@gmail.com .

-- Ronald McDonald Family Room program located at Children's Hospital is looking for volunteers for evening shifts, 5-9 p.m., including weekends. Our volunteers help welcome families to their home away from home by interacting with them, baking and assisting with light housekeeping and administrative duties. Information: Kasia, 787-4626 or kasia@rmhmanitoba.org .

-- North End Women's Centre is looking for a marketing assistant to develop a communication plan to identify potential donors and customers, explore social media marketing opportunities, implement the communication plan, etc. Information: Eliyana, 927-2427 or eliyana@newcentre.org .

-- Hostelling International Winnipeg is looking for enthusiastic people who love Winnipeg and want to share it with travellers visiting the city to provide weekly programs from June to August. This includes a walking tour of Winnipeg, group bike rides, a pub crawl and special event nights. Information: Jenessa, 943-5581 or jenessa.baert@hihostels.ca .

-- The University of Manitoba intensive language program requires language partners to meet with international students in a public place for a minimum of two hours per month and converse with them in English. Information: Fadi, 889-7025 or ftomal@gmail.com .

-- Ovarian Cancer Canada is recruiting Knowledge is Power presenters, an education and awareness program. Volunteers are needed to deliver 60-minute presentations in the workplace, places of worship, etc. to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms, risks and preventative factors of ovarian cancer. Information: Chelsea, 1-866-591-6622 or cbuczkowski@ovariancanada.org .

-- Volunteers needed to help re-vegetate the woodland area at Assiniboine Park by planting native herbs and shrubs, June 16, 10-11:30 a.m. Information: Rob, 986-7235 or rau@winnipeg.ca .

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition May 28, 2012 B2