A community organization is doing its part to help a friend fight cancer.

On April 14 the Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians donated $100 to Sarah Wilson to help with the treatment cost for her dog Wanda, a nine-year-old Labrador retriever, who has been diagnosed with cancer.

AEBC is a non-profit organization that works to increase awareness of rights and responsibilities for the blind, deaf-blind and partially sighted individuals. The money was donated through its Ainley Bridgeman Fund.

Wanda worked as a service dog for Bridgeman, an advocate for the disabled community, before her sudden passing in 2010.

Wilson, who lives in North Kildonan, was a close friend to Bridgeman. A year before she died, Bridgeman asked her to take care of Wanda if the need ever arose.

Wilson didn’t expect the time to come so soon, but there was no hesitation when Wanda needed a new home.

"I considered Ainley to be a good friend and I’m honoured to care for Wanda," said Wilson, who has already spent $5,000 on Wanda’s care.

"It started when I would walk Wanda five to seven days a week, and the friendship went on from there."

When Wanda was diagnosed with cancer last September after a mast cell tumor was found in her leg, Wilson knew she wanted to do everything she could to make her comfortable.

"I re-mortgaged  my house and I don’t regret it. It is expensive but I couldn’t let her go without a fight," Wilson said.

"She has worked her whole life and I wanted her to be just a dog for a while."

Janet Hunt, a member of Winnipeg’s AEBC chapter, said it was important for the organization to demonstrate its support for Wanda and Bridgeman.

"This is strictly from our chapter because of our personal feelings towards Ainley and her dog, and what Sarah’s doing," said Hunt, who lives in East Kildonan.

"Ainley did so much for us with her advocacy. She made a huge difference in the city for us, and losing her suddenly was a shock for everybody."

More information on AEBC is available at www.blindcanadians.ca.

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adrian.alleyne@canstarnews.com