TWO charities that are transforming the lives of blind and partially sighted people are the inspiration for kind-hearted team members across the VetPartners Ireland family.
Colleagues at our Irish veterinary practices are raising funds for two guide dog charities that support blind and partially sighted people to live the life they choose.
Whether baking cup cakes to sell, climbing mountains, running half marathons or abseiling, our team members are taking part in fundraising activities to raise as much money as possible for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in southern Ireland and The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association in Northern Ireland.
VetPartners Ireland selected both organisations as their 2024 chosen charities of the year, and the money raised will help them both carry out their amazing work all over Ireland.
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) is Ireland’s national charity dedicated to enabling people who are vision impaired, as well as supporting families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association is the world’s largest assistance dog organisation, and is almost entirely funded by donations.
VetPartners Ireland Business Development Director Austin Donnelly, pictured left with puppy Ariel, recently visited Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind headquarters in Ballincollig, Cork, to meet the team and some of the assistance dogs.
Austin said: “We wanted to support a really worthy cause, and our team members are keen to help the work of guide dog organisations. Both charities do important work helping adults and children overcome the challenges or sight loss and the dogs are key to this.
“As vets and veterinary nurses, we understand the strength and importance of the animal and human bond, and guide dogs provide independence that can change the life of their owners.
“Fundraising and organising charitable activities is a great way to give back to the communities we serve as vets and it also bonds VetPartners Ireland practice teams to a cause we can all support.”
John Burke, from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: “We are delighted to be chosen as charity of the year by VetPartners Ireland . With their commitment to care and wellbeing, VetPartners offers the ideal partnership to support our work, which helps to being independence and mobility to the lives of our clients. We are looking forward to developing the partnership throughout the year and working on mutually beneficial initiatives.”
Gary Wilson, Fundraising Manager at Guide Dogs Northern Ireland, said “We’re delighted to be the chosen charity of VetPartners Ireland for 2024. It costs over £55,000 for each of our future life-changer dogs from birth to retirement, so we are extremely grateful to have the support of VetPartners Ireland practice teams which will make a difference to those living with a vision impairment right across Northern Ireland.”
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director at amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk or 07970 198492
