“Autism Dog Services is egg-cited to host its third-annual Easter egg hunt and it is going to be a hopping good time for the entire family. We are excited to have valued sponsors such as the Galt Vet Clinic, Pro Concepts Animal Health, Beattie’s Vet Clinic, Autism Behavioral Services, Glanbrook Vets and KX94.7 FM and 92.9 The Grand for their support,” says Autism Dog Services fund development manager Adele Alfano.
The Ancaster Optimist Youth Centre and Park will be bursting at the seams with scattered eggs filled with trinkets, chocolates and candies throughout the area, along with refreshments, kids’ crafts and games, a KX94.7 FM event cruiser, and a special guest appearance from the Easter Bunny and doggie mascot Bluey. Attendees can also meet and greet MP John Danko of Hamilton West—Ancaster—Dundas, who will be handing out treats for children. Admission is a cash donation to Autism Dog Services.
The event will be held Saturday, March 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and is open to the public. Families are encouraged to attend. Service dogs in training will be on site, along with puppy raisers and families with a service dog. The organization says it is currently experiencing a shortage of volunteer puppy raisers and is seeking more applications.
Autism Dog Services executive director Vicky Spadoni says, “We are so excited to be able to offer this public event for fundraising. It has been a tough time for charities and we are no different. We do not charge a fee for our service dogs, although they are valued at $25,000 to $30,000, and we receive no government funding.”
“We are very thankful and appreciative to the Ancaster Optimist Youth Centre for hosting our event and we are excited to make this a yearly event”, added Spadoni. The Ancaster Optimist Youth Centre is located at 237 Manitou Way in Ancaster.