Charity seeking volunteers to help place guide dog boxes (From Times Series)

Charity seeking volunteers to help place guide dog boxes

7:10am Sunday 5th September 2010 in

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VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help distribute collection boxes for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

The charity is asking people in Barnet borough to help rehome the 2,500 spare countertop boxes they currently have, which are emptied every three to six months.

Heather Bradley, from Guide Dogs Fundraising says: “The lifetime cost of a guide dog from birth to retirement is nearly £50,000 and we currently have over 4,500 guide dog partnerships throughout the UK., with a further 780 planned this year alone.

“But Guide Dogs receives no government or statutory funding. We rely entirely on the generosity of the public to provide a service that makes a massive difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted people.”

“That’s why our volunteers are so valuable – without them we just couldn’t do what we do. Every countertop collection box averages around £35 each time it is opened, which is a significant and sustainable income for the charity.”

People with a few spare hours each month are asked to call 0845 372 7340 or email redbridgeadmin@guidedogs.org.uk.