Guide dog charity open Dungannon Branch

The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association has launched a new fundraising branch in the Dungannon area.

With the support of the local community, the new Branch is organising a Dogathon (sponsored dog walk) to take place on Saturday 12th June in Dungannon Park. Already local people have come out to support the event with a magic show, face painting, puppet show, penalty kick competition and, of course, a dog show running alongside the main event.

Guide dog owner Barbara Wilson and her mother Ann have already undertaken the role of Branch Organiser and Branch Treasurer respectively. The Branch got off to a flying start in November when they launched their fundraising efforts by recruiting six participants who, alongside Barbara, undertook Guide Dogs’ abseil inside the Odyssey Pavilion. Barbara along with her daredevil friends raised nearly £1,000 in sponsorship, enough to co-sponsor a guide dog puppy.

The charity receive no central government funding, relying on donations from the public and business community in order to provide their services to blind and partially sighted people throughout Northern Ireland.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the Dungannon Branch or making a donation to Guide Dogs can contact Kathy Peart, Guide Dogs Local Fundraising Co-ordinator on 07909 935 568 or email Kathryn.Peart@guidedogs.org.uk.

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