Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is a national charity dedicated to helping people living with sight loss or autism improve their mobility and independence. The support of a guide dog for a blind or vision impaired person or an assistance dog for a family of a child with autism is priceless. The cost of running the organisation is quite significant at over €4 million a year. More than 80% of income comes from fundraising and voluntary donations. The organisation relies on the support of fundraising volunteers and the generosity of the public in order to deliver the core services.

All services are offered free of charge and include the following:

• The Guide Dog Programme for people who are blind or vision impaired
• The Assistance Dog Programme for families of children with autism
• Orientation and Mobility Training (Long Cane)
• Independent Living Skills Training
• The Child Mobility Programme

Martin Gordon pictured says of his guide dog

"Having a guide dog gave me the mobility and confidence I needed to complete secondary school and go on to university to pursue my dream of becoming a Barrister. He was with me every step of the way and I attribute all my success, whether small or big, to him. Today, with Gola by my side, I am independent and can live my life to the full, both professionally and personally"

If you are considering leaving a gift to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, please call them on 1850 506 300 and they would be happy to discuss this with you. Alternatively you can email them on info@guidedogs.ie