St. John Ambulance Thunder Bay & Northwestern Ontario Urges Community Support as Tails on Trails Enters Final Days
Thunder Bay & Kenora, ON – St. John Ambulance Thunder Bay & Northwestern Ontario Region is entering the final stretch of its annual Tails on Trails fundraiser, a community‑driven campaign that supports essential programs promoting safety, emergency preparedness, and community well‑being across the region.
This year, the Thunder Bay Northwestern Ontario Region aims to raise $15,000 to sustain critical services including Medical First Response, Emergency Management, First Aid instruction, and the much‑loved Therapy Dog Program. These initiatives reflect the organization’s deep roots, dating back to the Order of St. John in the 1070s, when volunteers provided lifesaving care to the sick and injured. Today, St. John Ambulance continues that legacy as a registered Canadian charity dedicated to compassion, service, and community safety.
Executive Director Diana Sustawenko highlights how deeply these programs touch the community:
“Every person who has taken a babysitting course, learned CPR, or met one of our Therapy Dogs has felt the impact of St. John Ambulance. Tails on Trails is more than a fundraiser; it’s a chance for our community to work together in support of safety, care, and compassion.”
With only days remaining, the fundraiser has only reached half of its goal, and St. John Ambulance is encouraging residents across Northwestern Ontario to help close the gap.
The campaign culminates in a walk‑a‑thon in Thunder Bay around Boulevard Lake and at the Fraser Farm in Kenora on October 25, where families, supporters, and four‑legged friends will gather to celebrate the organization’s ongoing contributions to the region.
Therapy Dog Program Coordinator Jill Biggs underscores the importance of community support:
“Therapy dogs put smiles on faces and bring comfort to many people in our community. We can never underestimate the power of a dog, and we can never underestimate the support from our community. Every contribution from Tails on Trails helps, not only the therapy dog program but all St. John Ambulance community service programs make a difference in the lives of others.”
St. John Ambulance encourages anyone who has benefitted from its programs, or who simply believes in strengthening community safety, to donate before October 25. Contributions of any size help ensure these vital services continue to reach people across Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.
Donations can be made directly to St. John Ambulance – Thunder Bay & NWO.
Phone: 807‑345‑1712
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