19 Sep2016

Do you want to cycle through the country, finally tackle a marathon, or take on a unique, personal challenge? Then the Challenge Yourself campaign from Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind might be perfect for you.

We take our sense of sight for granted, but life can be very complicated for people who are blind or visually impaired. Of course, faithful companions have helped to make things far easier for those people for many years now – we’re talking of course, about guide dogs.

Guide dogs

We’re all familiar with guide dogs! Labradors and golden retrievers are typically used, with high visibility vests to set them apart from other dogs. It’s important not to pet or feed a guide dog when they have their harness on as they are in ‘work mode’! When their harness is off, though, they can relax and become like any other dog.

While guide dogs look similar, no two are exactly alike. Not only do they have their own temperament, they are taught specific skills to help assist their individual owners. They can help in household chores and also with mobility. People with guide dogs are able to get out of the house and move around safely, greatly enhancing that person’s social life and work opportunities. They also are great company and a strong bond usually develops between the dog and its owner.

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind also train assistance dogs that work with children with Asperger’s or who are on the autistic spectrum. Their Assistance Dog Programme has been running since 2005 and was the first of its kind in Europe. The dogs are trained to stop children bolting suddenly and to promote a calm mood. The scheme supports increased social interaction, learning outcomes and confidence among the children who are linked with a dog.

Since Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind was established in 1976, it has done sterling work and enriched many lives, but it needs help. It will take €4 million to run the charity this year with 80% of its funding coming from donations. With more money they could do more: the charity is currently so oversubscribed for assistance dogs that it can’t take any more names.

Challenge Yourself!

That’s why the Challenge Yourself fundraising campaign is so important. It runs from October 19 until New Year’s Eve and is aimed at raising funds to place as many furry companions with individuals as needed.

If you find some fundraising challenges daunting, then this event is the one for you. You ‘challenge yourself’ and, as long as it’s a challenge for you, it doesn’t matter how difficult it is! You can walk, swim, climb – anything you like! Here’s a video explaining the campaign – and offering lots of ideas to inspire some fundraising!

There’s also no minimum sponsorship threshold – anything that you can manage to raise is gratefully received. For a bit more guidance, you can download a fundraising handbook, email Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, or lo-call 1850 506 300.

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