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2021 Virtual Conference and AGM Information

Please join us on October 1 and 2 for some informative workshops, prize draws, our 2021 Annual General Meeting, and some great conversation. All times are EDT, Eastern Daylight Time, and all sessions will take place on Zoom.

The virtual conference gets going at 11:00 AM on Friday, October 1. It includes three workshops and a virtual wine and cheese. The AGM will be held on Saturday, October 2, followed by an evening social.

Please Register for the Virtual Conference, which will allow you to attend the 3 workshops, the Friday evening wine and cheese, and the Saturday evening social. Registering has another important side benefit - it will get your name into a draw for several door prizes which include 2 Google Minis, a custom-made dog coat from Chilly Dogs, and several gift cards. If you don't register, you can't win. For help with registration, please Contact Us.

Door prize draws will be held at the conclusion of each workshop, during the Friday evening wine and cheese, and during the Saturday evening social.

Agenda

Friday, October 1, 2021

Workshop 1

Start time: 11:00 AM
Duration: 1 hour
Presenter: Chuck Farrugia, Guide Dogs for the Blind
Topic: Chuck is a field service manager and guide dog instructor with many years of experience. He will remind us how the basics (obedience, work, play, and grooming) make for a happier, healthier, and better adjusted guide dog.

Workshop 2

Start time: 12:30 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Presenter: Jane Madigan, Inspiredk9s
Topic: Jane will show us how to help our dogs recover from working in these demanding and stressful times. She will talk to us about making deeper connections with our dogs before, during, and after work, by using certain types of touches and strokes which will help to reduce the effects of stress. chilling out with our dogs at home by helping them to rest and recuperate will improve their overall health. Jane will also explain briefly the science behind why the touches and strokes work.

Workshop 3

Start time: 2:00 PM
Duration: 1 hour
Panel: members of GDUC and the Canadian Coalition of Guide and Service dog Handlers/Hands Off Our Harnesses
Topic: Standards

Virtual Wine and Cheese

Start time: 7:00 PM
Duration: 1-2 hours
We'll finish the day with a virtual wine and cheese which will give our members and friends across Canada a chance to mingle.

Saturday, October 2, 2021

Our virtual AGM will begin at 11:00 AM. It is expected to wrap up by 4:00 PM. If you have not already done so, please Register for the 2021 Virtual AGM. The final 2021 AGM Call contains everything GDUC's members will need to fully participate in the meeting

We'll wind things up with a social starting at 7:00 PM.

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How to Help GDUC

Guide dog teams across Canada need your help! Your gift provides needed medical services to guide dogs nationwide, allows us to subsidize our annual conferences, increases peer support opportunities for guide dog handlers, facilitates public education programs, and enables advocacy initiatives throughout the country. With your help, GDUC can continue to improve the lives of guide dogs and their handlers!

Our 2019 Financial Statements are available to give you an idea of how much money we bring in, and what it costs to operate the organization on an annual basis.

Ways You Can Support GDUC

Online Through CanadaHelps

• Make a Charitable Donation to the GDUC Wellness Fund and support guide dog handlers in financial need with non-routine veterinary expenses
• Make a Charitable Donation to the GDUC Mary Spice Fund and help us help attendees with travel costs to conferences and other events
• Make a Charitable Donation to the GDUC General Fund and enable us to carry on our peer support, public education, and advocacy programs

By e-Tramsfer

Please email your donation to treasurer@gduc.ca and be sure to include your email address in the message field so that we can contact you to obtain the necessary information to prepare your official charitable receipt for income tax purposes.

By Mail

Please make all cheques payable to Guide Dog Users of Canada and mail them to:
Guide Dog Users of canada
2936 Wildwood Drive
Windsor, ON N8R 1Z5

Please insure that your email address is included so that we may provide you with an official charitable receipt for income tax purposes. If you wish your gift to be used for a specific fund, indicate this on the memo line of the cheque, or in an enclosed note.

Guide Dog Users of Canada is a registered charitable organization (CRA Registration #869175190 RR0001), and official charitable receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. Donations made online through CanadaHelps will be immediately receipted electronically.

Purchase Gift Cards and Clothing From Our Fundraising Partners

Buy gift cards for everyday items, or treat a friend or loved one by visiting our FundScrip page. Enhance your wardrobe or give someone a "support guide dogs everywhere" t-shirt, sweatshirt, hoodie, or women's flowy tank top from the GDUC Teespring Store

Volunteer Your Time and Skills

GDUC holds a conference and AGM each year in September. in 2019 our event was held at the CNIB Lake Joseph Centre from September 19-22. Volunteers were instrumental in assisting participants and performing other tasks. Please Contact Us to find out about this year's event and other volunteer opportunities.