People who head downtown to shop in May could also be helping out COPE Service Dogs.
The Downtown Barrie Business Association (BIA) kicked off this year’s May Days event on Thursday afternoon at Osgoode Company on Dunlop Street West, with COPE Service Dogs as its main beneficiary.
“We want to encourage people to get out of their houses, get downtown and experience the shops,” said Craig Stevens, managing director of the Downtown Barrie BIA.
Each year, the Downtown Barrie BIA chooses an group for May Days, which helps raise awareness and money for that organization.
COPE Service Dogs is a not-for-profit agency started 16 years ago. It focuses primarily on helping people with mobility issues, but the dogs also work with students, seniors and can even be found in dental offices, hospices, courtrooms and any other setting where a canine-human bond can be beneficial.
“After two years (of training), hopefully they can go out into the community and work with someone with mobility issues,” said Jeanne Souter, who sits on COPE’s board of directors.
May Days is a Community Connects event hosted by the BIA which runs throughout May.
There will be a draw for a $2,500 gift certificate (which continues to grow) with proceeds from additional ballots sold helping out the year’s beneficiary.
As part of May Days, the Downtown Barrie BIA has also introduced Saturday Experiences at some locations. Each Saturday, select shops in downtown Barrie will feature experiences in their stores from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Visitors can attend workshops, clinics, demonstrations, product partnerships, fashion shows and more at participating businesses.
