Article Source: Guide Dogs
Last Updated: 20 September 2024 13:07
They are actively seeking more volunteers for three crucial roles: Puppy Raisers, a Fundraising Group Coordinator and new members for the Glasgow Fundraising Group.
Become a Volunteer Puppy Raiser
Puppy Raisers provide a puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences whilst providing a loving home.
Glasgow’s Nimmi Whitelaw (pictured) has volunteered with Guide Dogs since 2015, and has to date, raised 8 guide dog puppies for the charity, as well as being part of her local fundraising group.
Nimmi said: “I’m happiest around dogs so raising puppies for Guide Dogs is totally up my street. I absolutely love it. All the pups we’ve raised have their quirks and are all very different individuals. We’ve fallen in love with every puppy who has come through our home.
“Our current puppy, Malik, is a German Shepherd dog and at 16 months he’s nearly come to the end of his time with me. He’s a big boy and most folks who see him hold back, although they all agree that he’s very handsome. He’s been very quick to learn things and has done extremely well at classes.
“People often ask me two questions: How can we go through toilet training and sleepless nights every year? And how can you give them back? I’m sure every Puppy Raiser will back me up that both things are very difficult. It takes a certain someone to raise puppies, but we do it because we love what we do, and we love the dogs.
“You also only need to speak to someone who has a guide dog to understand how important they are and the difference they make. To have a fully trained guide dog you need people to volunteer to raise the puppies – that’s enough motivation for me.
“In India, where I’m from, people with a vision impairment mainly have to rely on their families for support as there isn’t anything definitive in place so they can often live very limited or lonely lives. I’ve met so many people in the UK living full, happy, confident lives. I hope that people all over the world can one day experience the wonderful work, support and resources like Guide Dogs provides here in the UK.”
If you’d rather raise pounds than puppies, consider helping to fund life-changing services for people with sight loss by volunteering with a Guide Dogs fundraising group - a fantastic way to spend your free time, sharing your unique skills, experience, perspective, and personality.
Nimmi said: “I’ve been involved for all my time with Guide Dogs with the local fundraising group too. We are the ones you see popping up at various places with buckets and sometimes with trade stalls too. Guide Dogs are a charity so very dependent on the generosity of the public to run their services.”
Being part of a fundraising group is flexible, participate as much or as little as works for you. As well as members, the role of Glasgow Fundraising Group Coordinator is available.
This role involves:
• Leadership Opportunities: Motivate and lead a team of passionate volunteers.
• Event Organisation: Plan and execute fun and impactful fundraising events.
• Networking: Build connections with local businesses and community groups.
Guide Dogs offers training, support and expenses, and seeks to work around volunteers’ schedules.
Ready to make a difference? Find the role that suits you at www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or call Guide Dogs on 0800 781 1444.
Guide Dogs provides services for adults and children with a vision impairment.
Glasgow's homegrown streetwear brand, FORTY Clothing, is marking a major milestone in style with a series of creative design events for its customers across its stores tomorrow.
READ MORE
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.
READ MORE
The Roald Dahl Story Company today announces the full cast for the wickedly funny family musical based on Roald Dahl's The Enormous Crocodile!
READ MORE
To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!
READ MORE
80,000+ visitors expected, with opening weekend sold out, as itison unveils epic new images!
READ MORE
Iconic Glasgow west end restaurant, Five March, is teaming up with Edinburgh Gin to mark the end of the harvest season with a Samhain celebration feast.
READ MORE
A celebration of being bold and gloriously yourself, this year’s Citizens Theatre production of Beauty and The Beast is a family-friendly and funny new take on the classic fairytale.
READ MORE
As part of a major 'glow up' for the brand at Glasgow Fort, River Island has relocated its existing store within the centre to a larger, more modern unit, located between Superdry and BPerfect.
READ MORE
The world's first solar power Observation Wheel is set to be unveiled at Glasgow's Winter Wonderland at St Enoch Square!
READ MORE
Seven exciting retailers are set to join city centre shopping destination Buchanan Galleries ahead of the festive season.
READ MORE
This spooky season, take a stroll down the yellow brick road and into The Ivy Buchanan Street, Glasgow as it transforms into The Ivy Emerald City.
READ MORE
The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk.
READ MORE
Dive into Autumn with Pizza Punks' all-new menu featuring the 'Nduja Mac Daddy, Smash Burger Pizza, Double Pepperoni & Burrata and more!
READ MORE
Strathblane artists are set to captivate the community with a charity art exhibition this weekend, aiming to raise funds for Strathcarron Hospice, Denny.
READ MORE
Silverburn has been named as 'Retail Destination of the Year' at the 2025 SCEPTRE Awards, the Oscars of retail, recognising its exceptional performance and contribution to the UK's retail industry.
READ MORE
CBeebies megastar Justin Fletcher has announced that his brand-new live theatre tour Justin Time To Rock will now continue into Spring 2026, with final tour dates just announced.
READ MORE
Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, is the place to be for a selection of fang-tastic Halloween events this October!
READ MORE
The full cast have been announced for the UK and Ireland tour of Priscilla Queen of the Desert, including Strictly champion Kevin Clifton!
READ MORE
Deck the Halls unveils inaugural event in Glasgow in partnership with National Trust for Scotland.
READ MORE
Fans bowled over as celebrities and sports stars help set new record for world's largest bowls lesson as Glasgow 2026 ticket fever builds!
READ MORE
The Yard, Foxlake and Wild Shore Dundee launch official partnership to deliver a year-round programme of inclusive activities, training, and support across three regions of Scotland.
READ MORE
The shortlisted titles for this year’s Saltires, Scotland’s National Book Awards, were announced at Blackwell’s bookshop in Edinburgh.
READ MORE
Kevin Clifton, Nick Hayes and Peter Duncan amongst the full cast announced who join previously announced Adèle Anderson (Fascinating Aïda) for Priscilla Queen of the Desert tour 2026.
READ MORE
The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award has unveiled the 10 Shortlisted albums now in the running for 2025’s title and £20,000 prize, as well as five Sound of Young Scotland finalists.
READ MORE
Halo Arts is thrilled to announce the return of its annual community panto project, with this year's production of Pinocchio.
READ MORE
Festival to set the tone for Glasgow's year of unforgettable international events!
READ MORE
£1,000 in Glasgow Gift Cards will be given away in the city centre shopping mall between 20th October to 2nd November.
READ MORE
A new print publication covering the eating and drinking scene in Glasgow follows the successful launch of Eat & Drink 365 Edinburgh earlier this year.
READ MORE
Thousands of music fans descended on Glasgow's iconic East End for Scotland's festival of music discovery!
READ MORE
Popular footwear and sportswear retailer, Footasylum, is returning to Scotland's leading retail and leisure destination, Silverburn, as the latest addition to its fashion offering.
READ MORE