Guide Dogs appeal for volunteer fundraisers in Exeter

The local branch of charity Guide Dogs is urgently looking for new volunteers in Exeter and surrounding areas. They are in need of people to join the local fundraising group, which organises community events and collections to help raise much needed funds. The charity relies on donations to keep its vital services running and has suffered with the impact of Covid-19 putting a dent in much of their face to face activities over the summer.

Guide Dogs has local fundraising groups across the country. This means that people can volunteer in their local communities and make a difference, while getting involved with a fun and positive group. Much of the activity is currently happening virtually with the hope of getting back out to the community safely when restrictions ease.  

Stephie Millin, Volunteering Coordinator at Guide Dogs says:

“Our volunteers offer up their free time because they’re passionate and enthusiastic about Guide Dogs and know how worthwhile a cause it is to help people living with sight loss to achieve independence. Volunteering can introduce you to new experiences and opportunities, and our fundraising groups in particular are a great way to meet new people.”

There are around 2 million people living with sight loss in the UK. Guide Dogs supports people with a visual impairment to maintain their independence and live the life they choose. They provide a range of services from the iconic guide dog service, support for children and young people and volunteer-led services such as My Sighted Guide (a two-legged guide rather than a four legged one!)

To provide these services the charity relies on an army of incredible volunteers, and in Exeter they urgently want to grow the group to continue to raise vital funds.

John, a current Guide Dogs volunteer fundraiser, says: 

“It gives me a chance to ‘give something back’ to my local community and a cause I care about. Volunteering with Guide Dogs gives me a real sense of purpose and life satisfaction because I know the difference the lifelong support from this charity makes to people with sight loss. It is heartening for me to see the generosity of people in my community when I’m at events and collections.” 

Whether you have lots of spare time or just an hour a week, the group has room for anyone interested in getting involved. Full training and support provided. To apply go to https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or call the local team on 0345 143 0204.