Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind

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Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind (CGDB) is a national, non-profit, registered, charitable organization that was founded in 1984. The mission statement is: "To assist visually-impaired Canadians with their mobility by providing and training them in the use of professionally trained Guide Dogs." Initially, the Centre was housed in rental properties and in 1987 the building of the current National Training Centre was completed just outside of Manotick, Ontario (16 miles south of Ottawa). The Training Centre is situated on 9 acres and includes a kennel that can house 30 dogs. The main house has accommodation for eight students and administration offices. CGDB is a founding member of the International Guide Dog Federation which now has world-wide membership. The Management and Foundation Board members of CGDB are volunteers from across Canada. CGDB is funded by donations received from individuals, corporations, service clubs, Foundations and fundraising events.
History
In 1984, Jane Thornton and Bill Thornton started Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind. The organization has progressed from its humble beginnings in a small, rented home to an impressive Training Centre.
Successes to Date

1984	First Guide Dog Team graduated in July.
1985	CGDB becomes the first Guide Dog school to receive provincial accreditation within the Blind Persons' Rights Act of Ontario.
1986	First litter of puppies born in CGDB breeding program.
1987	100th puppy placed on Puppy Walking program. Began construction of Training Centre in Manotick.
1988	National Training Centre officially opened.
1989	Established as a charter member of the International Federation of Guide Dog Schools for the Blind. First Canadian obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor under internationally recognized training program (after completing the 3-year apprentice program).
1990	100th Guide Dog team graduated in June. 21st Litter of Pups born in CGDB breeding program.
1991	Second Canadian obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor under internationally recognized training program.
1992	Passed on-site inspection by IFGDSB. Opened B.C. Branch office in Richmond, B.C.
1993	Third and Fourth Canadians obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor under internationally recognized training program. 200th Guide Dog team graduated.
1994	10th Anniversary of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, marked by a weekend celebration.
1995	Fifth and Sixth Canadians obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor under internationally recognized training program.
1996	300th Guide Dog team graduated in November.
1997	Began establishing fundraising Chapters across Canada.
1998	Seventh and Eighth Canadians obtained certification as a Guide Dog Mobility Instructor under internationally recognized training program.
1999	400th Guide Dog team graduated in August.
2001	1000th Pup placed on the Puppy Walking Program.
2003	500th Guide Dog team graduated.
2004	20th Anniversary of Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind.
2006	Jane Thornton, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, elected as Director of International Guide Dog Federation
2007	Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind graduates six-hundredth working guide dog team
2009	Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind celebrates its 25th Anniversary
2010	Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind launches the CGDB Assistance Dogs Division
2010	Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind hosts the International Guide Dog Federation Seminar
2010	Jane Thornton, Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer, elected as Chair of International Guide Dog Federation

Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind, National Office and Training Centre
P.O. Box 280, 4120 Rideau Valley Drive N. Manotick, Ontario K4M 1A3 Tel: (613) 692-7777 Fax: (613) 692-0650

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