Words by Smiley Team
Guide Dogs is asking supporters to join people up and down the country taking part in the Guide Dogs 90 Appeal.
This year – 2021 – marks 90 years since the first guide dog partnerships were formed by Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond. These pioneering women started training dogs to support servicemen who had lost their sight in WW1 – and the impact was immediate.
Guide Dogs officially celebrates its birthday in October, but people can hold a fundraiser any time, as the charity is encouraging people to do whatever they love best. Whether that be baking 90 cakes, walking 90 minutes or knitting 90 things – this support will mean Guide Dogs can help people with sight loss now, and for the next 90 years.
[Read more about fundraising charity news on Smiley News]
Peter Osborne, director of operations at Guide Dogs, said: “In 2021, just under 100,000 people will be told they are losing their sight. Our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs will be there to support them. As sight loss increases, we need to step up to double the number of times we provide support people.
“To celebrate our anniversary and to help Guide Dogs be there for the next 90 years, please get involved and choose any 90-themed activity you like. If you are having fun and raising life-changing funds, then anything goes!”
Fundraising ideas include:
· Bake 90 – Host a bake sale, offer doorstep delivery, or go all out with your own bake-off challenge.
· Walk 90 – Whether you’re a regular rambler or more of an ambler, raise funds at your own pace by walking 90km throughout the month of October.
· Swim 90 – Lengths, hours, or km. Goggles at the ready and hit the pool or head outdoors for a wild swim.
· 90s Karaoke competition – Break out the mics and sell tickets for your musical team night. Pick your judge and rate the best performances.
· Give it up for 90 days – Sugar or takeaways? Skip the snacks and get sponsored for not giving into temptation.
Guide Dogs has been there for people with sight loss and those around them – every day and every step of the way for 90 years.
Today, Guide Dogs leads the world in breeding and training working dogs, creating unique and carefully matched partnerships that provide life changing support. Guide Dogs is working to give more people with sight loss the confidence and skills they need to live the life they choose.
To find out how you can get involved in the Guide Dogs 90 Appeal, visit guidedogs.org.uk/appeal.
