In Niagara, we’re familiar with all the Easter Egg Hunts that ignite a ravenous love of chocolate in the little ones whose parents brave the crowds in the name of tradition. This year we’re featuring one such hunt that puts treats to work for a great cause: the National Service Dog Easter Egg Hunt. The difference with this hunt, it is for the dogs!

Each year parks in municipalities across Ontario hide thousands of plastic eggs filled with dog treats in a local park. Owners keep their dogs on leashes and participate in the hunt for Milk-Bones – they’re allowed a total of twenty-four per participant. The owners also enjoy the thrill of the hunt as each egg features a sticker that makes them eligible to win one of hundreds of prizes.

Registrants receive two egg cartons to fill on their hunt, but if you reach fundraising thresholds you are eligible to up your winning potential with more cartons. In fact, registrants who raise more than $501.00 will get six cartons!

The hunt in St. Catharines is taking place at Burgoyne Woods Park on Good Friday, March 29^th. If you are interested in getting your hunt on you can visit the event website and register.

They “release the hounds” at 11:00am, so don’t be late!  Last year, this worthy project Niagara event contributed substantially to the $100,000 total raised for the non-profit organization.

You can also check out the National Service Dog organization on Facebook.

Looking for a traditional Easter Egg Hunt to get the family out for some spring sun? Here is a list of what is happening in Niagara:

23^rd Annual Jaycee Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday March 30^th, 9:30am
Jaycee Park, Ontario Street, St. Catharines
$1 or 1 food item per child 

White Meadows Farms Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday March 30^th, 9:30am
White Meadows Farms
$3 per child, $5 for two children
Extras: Each child gets a goodie bag with Easter and Maple Treats

5^th Annual Thorold Easter Egg Hunt
Saturday March 30^th, 10:00am
Battle of Beaverdams Park, Clairmont Street, Thorold
Free

12th Annual Township of West Lincoln Easter Egg Hunt
Friday March 29^th, 2:00pm
Smithville Fairgrounds, 177 West St.
1 non-perishable food item for Community Care per child