The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB ) has joined forces with Specsavers the opticians to find Galway’s most ‘pup’ular names beginning with the letter ‘S’ to name a six-week-old guide dog litter.
The ‘Name a Pup’ competition is part of the company’s pledge to raise €40,000 to breed, train and support an Irish guide dog partnership throughout the dog’s working life.
Ireland’s 36 Specsavers stores are aiming to raise the amount by the end of December through a variety of fundraising activities. This latest campaign will bring the total funds raised for IGDB by Specsavers stores in Ireland to almost €400,000.
Padraig Mallon, the chief executive of the IGDB, says it has an “excellent” partnership with Specsavers.
“We are delighted to confirm that the stores are, once again, undertaking to support IGDB financially in the last quarter of 2010. It could not have come at a better time as our fundraising income has fallen by almost 40 per cent in the last two years and we are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain our levels of service.
“We appeal to the public to please support this exciting campaign as it will help us greatly in continuing our work in supporting people who are blind or vision impaired as well as families of children with autism.”
Noel Meehan, store director of Specsavers in Galway, says the campaign showcases the great work of the IGDB while also highlighting the importance of looking after your eyes by having an eye examination at least every two years.
“Specsavers in Galway offers digital retinal photography enabling our opticians to spot the early signs of a range of conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, brain tumours, glaucoma and high blood pressure. Screening is offered at no additional charge.”
He says like most charities the IGDB has been experiencing the negative effect of the recession.
“We’d really appreciate public support in helping us achieve our €40,000 fundraising target. It’s more important than ever to get behind this life-changing Irish charity.”
To enter the “Name a Pup” competition visit Specsavers at the Eyre Square Centre and suggest a name beginning with the letter “S” for one of the five Specsavers puppies and give a €2 donation. All entries must be submitted by Friday December 31.
