Support Needed For Guide Dogs Charity

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is calling on Dublin North community members to ‘get going for Guide Dogs’ and volunteer in 2012. The national charity is hosting a volunteer information evening at Croke Park Hotel, Drumcondra, this evening, 21st February at 8pm to highlight the many ways volunteers can get involved in support of their work. Irish Guide Dogs is on a national drive to find volunteers willing and able to help. Over 80 per cent of the organisation’s income is raised through voluntary donations and all services for people living with sight loss or autism are offered free of charge. Well known Balbriggan residents, Tom and Breege O’Neill, have been supporting Irish Guide Dogs for over 30 years already. They know firsthand the life changing impact a Guide Dog makes and have worked tirelessly for many years to help fundraise, so that more people can avail of the organisation’s services. Tom says, “Without fundraising volunteers, Breege and I would not have the mobility and freedom we currently enjoy through our guide dogs. In the last few years, Irish Guide Dogs has needed to do more with fewer resources. Fundraising in particular is an area needing additional support. We’re hoping that the Information Evenings will highlight the value of the organisation’s work and inspire more people to support.” The evening is open to individuals, club or business interested in supporting.