Irish Guide Dogs is supported by a nationwide network of fundraising branches who through their hard work in organising events and activities help raise approximately €2,million for the organisation each year, making a significant contribution towards our income and our ability to provide services to people living with sight loss or autism.

We have designated 2012 as our “Year of the Branch” with the aim of strengthening our partnership with our branches and fundraising volunteers. The chosen theme for the year is “Working together for Guide Dogs”. Our goal is to meet with as many of our volunteers as possible over the next few months to get their feedback and ideas.

We have so far hosted meetings of key supporters in Sligo, Carlow and Dublin with Galway and Cork being next on our calendar. Pictured here at our Carlow event is Siobhan McKiernan, Bobbi Laharte and Evelyn Wymess from our Kilkenny Branch. 

Our CEO Padraig Mallon says, “Working with our branches, we are developing a programme of activities which will ensure improved outcomes for the organisation and all those involved.The feedback we have received has been most helpful with a common thread being the need for additional ‘hands on deck’. For this reason, we are running a nationwide volunteer recruitment programme with the aim of augmenting our existing branches and establishing new branches in areas where we don’t have a presence.  The key message is that we need help to generate the funds which will help us to provide life changing services.”  

If you wish to join us as a volunteer, please contact Finbarr Roche on 1850 506 300 or email finbarr@guidedogs.ie. For details of local branches, click here

L to R: Pictured at our Carlow meeting are Betty Stedmond (Gorey Branch), Joan Ross (Enniscorthy Branch), Ursula Breen and Margaret Fitzpatrick (Enniscorthy Branch), Catherin Lacey Coniry her guide dog Ivan (Wexford Branch), David Stedmond (Gorey Branch) and Patrick Dunne (Carlow Branch).