Irish Guide Dogs calls on local communities to support fundraising day
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind will host its annual national fundraising day on Friday, May 23.
Announcing Park2Travel as the official sponsor of its fundraising day, charity ambassador Roy Keane launched the annual initiative which will see communities across the Midlands region come together through collections, Take the Lead Walks, and a special competition to win dinner with the football legend.
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.
To support Guide Dog Day sponsored by Park2Travel, register for a Take the Lead Walk, make a donation, or enter the draw for dinner with Roy Keane*, visit www.GuideDogs.ie. Tickets cost €10 or 6 for €50. Tickets are only available online.
Tim O'Mahony, CEO of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, underscored the growing urgency for support.
"Last year, thanks to the incredible generosity shown on Guide Dog Day, we successfully created many life-changing partnerships — matching 48 Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs and placing five Community Dogs in schools and facilities nationwide, but the need is growing fast.
"It costs approximately €53,000 to breed, train, and care for just one service dog. This year, we’re calling on the public to help us reach our goal of transforming the lives of 70 more families across Ireland.
"Over the next decade, the number of school-aged children with autism is expected to rise by over 30%. That means the demand for our service dogs will far surpass our current capacity. Without increased support, we won’t be able to keep up. Together, we can ensure that no family is left waiting for the life-changing impact of a service dog."
As part of its sponsorship, Park2Travel is donating €1 from every parking booking made in May at the newly opened 6000+ space car park, located just six minutes from Dublin airport.
In addition, Park2Travel is investing in accessibility training for all its Dublin-based staff, while shuttle bus drivers will undertake specialist training to ensure they can provide the best possible assistance to Guide Dog and Assistance Dog owners when they’re travelling to and from the terminals.