Guide Dogs Exeter Fundraising group praised for reaching £13,000 milestone

Local fundraisers in Exeter have won recognition for reaching the 13,000 milestone that funds a Guide Dog partnership twice in one year. Earlier this year the Exeter & District Fundraising Group funded guide dog Winter to help a person with sight loss, and now they’ve done it again with guide dog Gucci.

As a result of reaching the £13,000 milestone, the group have been able to fund a working partnership between guide dog Gucci and a person with sight loss.

It costs around £57,000 to train and support a guide dog partnership throughout the life of the dog. Guide Dogs continues to support our dogs during their time working as a guide, so the £13,000 milestone covers the cost of food, vets’ bills and ongoing training after the dog is partnered with someone with sight loss.

The group, made up entirely of volunteers, raised the sum by organising supermarket collections and events.

Volunteer Group Coordinator Diana Hatchett said they raised the money through a variety of channels throughout the year.

‘We have a full calendar of events including street collections, shop collections and community events. Our local Matalan very kindly hosts us for a collection once a month as well as giving a home to one of our life-size Guide Dogs collection boxes!”

“We’re very grateful for the support of the local community including our Mercedes Benz South West dealership that hosted an open-air film night, a local care home who donated proceeds from their summer fete, and the classic car show that donated a share of their gate money.

“All of this really adds up and it’s all down to the hard work of a very dedicated group of volunteers and ambassadors who bring in the valuable funds for Guide Dogs. We’re always looking for new fundraisers so if you want to join an exciting and involved group do get in touch!”

Community Fundraising Development Officer at Guide Dogs, Krissie Isaac said:

“This group of volunteers have done incredibly well to raise this sum. Volunteers kindly offer their time, support and energy to our charity. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to continue our work. Our guide dogs are truly life-changing, allowing people with sight loss to enjoy the same freedom and independence as everyone else.

“We are so proud of our volunteers and would like to thank them for everything they do. We also wish to recognise the fantastic support that the group receives from individuals and businesses within the local community.”

To find out about volunteering for Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering