It was the younger members of the St. Davids Lions Club who led the charge in boosting a fundraiser for a worthwhile cause.

Two Leos, youth members of the club, were the lead organizers of Pet Valu’s Walk for Dog Guides at St. Davids Lions Park on Sunday, fundraising for the Lions of Canada Foundation of Dog Guides.

Sixteen-year-olds Hardi Patel and Maya Deuck said the online donations they raised totalled close to $1,500, not counting cash collected onsite.

They’re supporting an online fundraiser put together by Sam Lickers, who was at the dog walk on Sunday with her three-year-old daughter Rylee Dempsey and their dog, Denver the St. Bernard.

“She did really well in her fundraising,” said Lickers, noting Rylee helped raise over $1,000 online.

The three were in good company with other walkers and their dogs, who could log their kilometres during the walk.

Patel said he and the Leos started planning the walk a few months ago.

“Previously, this dog walk has been hosted by the Lions: this year, the Leos took it on as their project. This is our first one ever,” said Patel.

The day wouldn’t be possible without the hard work and planning of all the Leos, Deuck said.

“We made flyers and we passed them out at our fish fries. We’ve been working on social media, Facebook and Instagram and we’ve been advertising some of the things that the dog guides do,” said Deuck. 

The Leos were present throughout the walk as well, handing out tickets at checkpoints around the park for entries to win gift baskets. 

After the walk, dogs and owners alike could enjoy hot dogs, fries and water cooked up by the Lions.