Tipperary branch of Irish Guide Dogs call for local support this month

The Tipperary volunteer fundraising Branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is appealing for support for Guide Dog Day at their collection in Thurles Town Park on Saturday May 24.

Launched by the charity’s ambassador Roy Keane, Guide Dog Day will see communities across the country come together through fundraising collections on May 23 and 24, Take the Lead Walks (7 walks nationwide), and a special competition to win dinner with the football legend.

Tickets available only at GuideDogs.ie. Tickets cost €10 or 6 for €50.

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All funds raised will go directly towards transforming lives by providing highly trained service dogs, giving people with visual impairments, children with autism, and students greater independence and mobility.

Costing over €5 million a year to run the organisation and with only 15% of funding coming from the government, the charity relies heavily on the generosity and support of the general public, corporates and gifts in wills.

All services provided by the charity are free of charge and the breeding, training and care of one dog costs €53,000.

This year the charity is aiming to change the lives of 70 families.

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