ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Consumers Energy Foundation today donated $30,000 to Leader Dogs for the Blind. The donation will help Leader Dog to fulfill its mission of providing mobility to those who are blind or visually impaired.
"We are very thankful for the support of the Consumers Energy Foundation," said Sue Daniels, president and CEO of Leader Dog. "This donation will contribute to the construction efforts of our Canine Development Center, which is scheduled to be completed later this year.
"The Canine Center's extraordinary design will accommodate a greater number of dogs in a living environment that reduces stress, promotes learning, increases socialization opportunities and supports the overall health of the dogs, among other benefits," Daniels said.
The nearly 75,000 square foot facility will better prepare dogs for their life-changing and life-saving work. When completed, the Canine Center will provide 255 housing suites, which are two and a half times larger than current suites. It also includes an upgraded veterinary clinic, separate male and female breeding suites and indoor/outdoor puppy enrichment areas.
Consumers Energy has strong ties to Leader Dog. Two current Leader Dogs for the Blind Board members are retired executives of Consumers Energy: Thomas O'Masta and Paul Preketes. The pair have been instrumental in providing professional expertise to Leader Dog and have received volunteer grants for their involvement.
"The Consumers Energy Foundation is committed to working with nonprofit organizations to make our state a better place," said David Mengebier, president of the Consumers Energy Foundation.
"We are privileged that Leader Dog, which for over 75 years has provided such a vital service to blind and visually impaired clients worldwide, is based in southeast Michigan. Our Foundation is pleased to help support construction of the Canine Development Center so that the unique work of pairing clients with trained guide dogs can be enhanced," Mengebier said.
To learn more about Leader Dogs for the Blind, visit www.leaderdog.org.
About Consumers Energy Foundation
The Consumers Energy Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Consumers Energy. It provides funding for a variety of areas including education, community, civic and cultural development, social services, the environment and emerging issues.
Michigan nonprofit organizations received over $6.5 million in contributions in 2015 from Consumers Energy, its employees, retirees, its foundation and parent company CMS Energy.
About Leader Dogs for the Blind
Rochester Hills, Mich.-based Leader Dogs for the Blind is a nonprofit organization that has been providing independent travel to people who are blind through the use of Leader Dogs since its founding in 1939. Over the years, Leader Dogs for the Blind has provided independent mobility to more than 14,500 individuals. The services of the organization are provided free of charge. The organization also provides classes for orientation and mobility, pedestrian GPS and a summer camp for teens. For more information on Leader Dogs for the Blind, call (888) 777-5332 or visit www.leaderdog.org.
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SOURCE Leader Dogs for the Blind
