Royal recognition for Guide Dogs for our work with volunteers

Guide Dogs has today been given Royal recognition for our work with our amazing volunteers.
 
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award celebrates the vital contribution made by volunteers from 60 organisations across Britain. Guide Dogs joins the household names whose work with volunteers has been honoured.

Chief Executive Richard Leaman said: “This is fantastic news for Guide Dogs and for our wonderful volunteers. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to reach out to blind and partially sighted people and offer life-changing freedom and independence. The dedication, commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers are humbling, and they fully deserve this recognition.”

Buckingham Palace will hold a celebration next spring for representatives from the organisations honoured today. Guide Dogs will also receive a certificate, signed by HM The Queen, and will be able to use the award logo.  

Martyn Lewis CBE, Chairman, Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Volunteering Award 2012 Committee, said:

“The sixty organisations honoured today with The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for Volunteering 2012 have built their success on the dedication and generosity of thousands of extraordinary people, each of whom has devoted their time and energy to the simple aim of making their communities – and their country – a better place.

“Day-in, day out volunteers are making a contribution to every aspect of our society – working with the elderly, supporting young people and reaching out to those in need. Volunteering is as fundamental to British life as rain at Wimbledon or the local pub – and what better way to recognise it than with an Award from Her Majesty in her Diamond Jubilee year.”

Guide Dogs has 11,000 fantastic volunteers performing more than 50 vital roles including  puppy walkers, fundraisers, drivers and boarders.  To find out more about volunteering at Guide Dogs and the roles available, read the volunteering pages, or email volunteer@guidedogs.org.uk or call  0845 371 7771