World Cup fever for Guide Dogs

Guide dogs are giving a tail wagging welcome to the World Cup, with football themed Get Dribbling fundraising events, assisted by team mascots, taking place across the UK.

It’s all part of Get Together, a major initiative from Guide Dogs to raise money and promote the independence of blind and partially sighted people.

The charity hopes other football club mascots will get involved in publicity and fundraising, particularly during the World Cup.

Beth Marsh, Head of Fundraising Development at Guide Dogs explains: “The World Cup is a great way to unite the nation. Millions of people enjoy the beautiful game, with or without the benefit of sight.

“We’ve put together the perfect kit-bag to allow anyone to organise kick-about or competitive game with friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues –all in aid of Guide Dogs.”

Log on to www.guidedogs.org.uk/gettogether to download the kit-bag. It contains ideas and top tips on organising events, with downloadable templates of posters and invitations to help every Get Dribbling fundraising event be a real crowd-puller.

The charity wants greater mobility and independence for people with sight loss; a number of guide dog owners play in blind football leagues.

Blind football is governed by the International Blind Sports Association (IBSA) and played with modified FIFA rules. Teams consist of four visually impaired or blind players, a sighted goalkeeper and a sighted guide, who is positioned off the field of play, to assist in directing players. The ball is equipped with ball bearings to allow players to locate it by sound.

For more information or to order a Get Dribbling fundraising pack, register online at www.guidedogs.org.uk/gettogether call 0870 600 2323 or email gettogether@guidedogs.org.uk