Winning friends in Wales and the West

Thank you to Guide Dogs Trustee Elizabeth Hubbick for today’s guest blog.

Guide Dogs Week was off to a flying start for us. In the Exeter and District branch always we always try and organise our flag day to coincide with Guide Dogs Week – but we can’t usually count on such beautiful weather.

The sunshine really helped draw the crowds to Exeter city centre on Saturday and we had a very sociable day, talking to a lot of people who were genuinely interested in our work.

With staff and volunteers working hard together, by the afternoon we had raised a splendid £2149.61. Particular praise should go to members of the District Team who completed their 80 kilometre static bike challenge – in 30 degrees!

Yesterday, I had a complete change of scene at the Senedd in Cardiff, home of the National Assembly for Wales. The local team organised a reception for Assembly Members, with a Guide Dogs stand, guest guide dog owners and sighted guiding demonstrations.

The main aim of the day was to sign up as many Assembly Members as possible to “walk a mile in my shoes”, to raise awareness all over Wales of the daily challenges faced by blind and partially sighted people. It was a very successful day which really helped us spread important messages about Guide Dogs’ work.

I hope everyone is enjoying Guide Dogs Week 2011 as much as I am – I think there’s a real buzz about it this year and a focus on reaching out to people to tell them about the vital services we provide, which is, of course, what it’s all about.

All I have to do now is negotiate my way past the umpteen collection boxes which are filling our hall and living room – that’s what you get for being married to the Branch Treasurer!

Have a great week!