Incidences of vision loss are increasing and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is attending the Mudgee Small Farm Field Days to raise awareness and funds for its free, local services.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The organisation, which is the leading provider of guide dogs and other services enabling people with vision loss to be independent, will have an information and merchandise stand in the Founders Pavilion on days (July 11-12).
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s planned giving manager, Sally Biles, said vision loss is a challenging disability but it doesn’t have to limit people’s independence.
“As we don’t receive any government funding, we rely on the public’s generosity to fund the provision of our services, including guide dogs which cost more than $30,000 to raise and train, free of charge,” she said.
“We’re looking forward to attending the Mudgee Field Days to talk to visitors about how we can help them and how they can help us.”
In the past year, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s orientation and mobility Instructors have worked with about 75 Mudgee residents with vision loss, providing training in how to safely get around using long canes, guide dogs and electronic travel aids, such as talking GPS’.
The latest research predicts there will be a 20 per cent increase in NSW residents living with a vision condition impacting their mobility by 2020.
To help raise funds, popular Guide Dogs branded merchandise will be on sale at the field days and staff will be available to discuss other ways the public can support the organisation, such as leaving a gift or bequest in their will.
“Bequests are a very special and valuable way in which a supporter can help us to make a real difference to the life of someone who is blind or vision impaired,” Mrs Biles said.
“Over the years, bequests have allowed Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to evolve and to meet the growing demand for our services.
“Should you generously decide to leave a gift in your will to Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, please let us know so we can keep you up to date with our work and invite you to our Guide Dog Graduation days at our training centre as well as other supporter events.”
For more information about Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s free, local services please contact the Orange office on 6362 6625.
