Orbit the Guide Dog is a six-month old German Shepherd, who is currently going through her Puppy Walker training in Kent.
Trudy Moss, Development Finance Officer who is based at Orbit’s Maidstone office, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Guide Dog Appeal month in October, with the announcement that we are naming our very own puppy! At Orbit, we are committed to increasing our investment in the local community, working to create a better society and contribute to people’s happiness, health and wellbeing.
“We are pleased that the £8,000 raised during our charity golf day in Maidstone has paid for Orbit the Guide Dog’s first year of training with her puppy walker. We are looking forward to seeing the beginnings of Orbit’s transformation into a responsible Guide Dog and look forward to receiving our regular ‘Pupdates’ on her progress! Every penny raised during Guide Dog Appeal month in October will help the charity continue to provide life changing services to the two million people in the UK who are living with sight loss.”
During her training with the Puppy Walker, Orbit has been learning the skills that she will need as a future Guide Dog and is getting used to basic obedience commands. Then, at six months, she will move onto socialising with people and other animals as well as getting used to busy environments such as shops and public transport.
An important aspect of a Guide Dog puppy’s early training is to familiarise them with a variety of different modes of transport, so she will also be exposed to both light and heavy traffic, to assess whether she can identify a potential hazard.
Once Orbit is around two years old, she will be partnered with someone living with sight loss and will become their Guide Dog.
Employees at Orbit raised over £8,000 for the Guide Dogs Appeal, as part of a charity golf day in Maidstone last year. This annual event is in its 7th year and has raised over £67,000 in total for a number of charities.
This year, the Guide Dogs Appeal is celebrating its 89th anniversary. However, due to the current changing circumstances, this year’s Guide Dogs Appeal is encouraging people to fundraise virtually, socially distanced or from their home.
Kyla McVicar, Business Development Manager at Guide Dogs said: “We can’t thank Orbit enough for their amazing support. Name a Puppy is a lovely tangible way for supporters to see how they are making an incredible difference. We hope the team enjoy following puppy Orbit on her journey to become a life-changing guide dog.
“Over 2 million adults and children in the UK are currently living affected by sight loss. Guide Dogs’ ambition is a future where every person with sight loss has the confidence to live their life to the full.
“With many of our fundraising events cancelled or postponed in 2020, we need your support now more than ever. We appreciate that times are difficult, but for people with sight loss, social isolation can be their every day. That is why, for 2020, we are encouraging you to fundraise virtually. By taking on a virtual fundraiser, any money you raise will ensure those living with sight loss feel less alone now, and in the future.”
Guide Dogs Appeal 2020
Every year we celebrate our charity’s history and achievements on the anniversary of the first four UK Guide Dog partnerships by fundraising together as a Guide Dogs family. But as anyone who has had a birthday or anniversary since March knows, celebrating during a global pandemic isn’t quite the same as normal and our 89th anniversary celebrations are no different.
Due to current changing circumstances in many local communities, we do not feel it is appropriate to ask individuals to take part in the fundraising blindfold challenges we had planned for this years’ Guide Dogs Appeal. But that doesn’t mean we can’t have fun and make a difference, right?
Whether you join us to fundraise virtually, socially distanced or at home, every penny you raise during October will help us to continue to provide our life changing services, now and in the future. You could host and promote a virtual collection, make items to sell for donations or challenge yourself with a sponsored activity. So long as government guidance allows and it is in our list of permissible activities, we can support you to fundraise your way. It may not be the celebrations we had planned, but we know that with everyone doing a little, we can still come together and make a big difference.
For more information on the fundraising for the Guide Dogs Appeal call 0345 143 0192 or email fundraiseforus@guidedogs.org.uk. Download your free fundraising resources at https://www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help/fundraise.
