Local not-for-profit housing provider, Orbit, hosted a fundraiser for Guide Dogs UK at its Queensway Court Later Living scheme in Leamington Spa, where residents raised £360 for the sight loss charity.
The fundraiser was inspired by one of the extra care scheme’s newest residents, guide dog Barrett.
After John’s sight worsened recently Barrett moved into Queensway Court with him, and with residents and scheme colleagues witnessing first-hand how guide dogs help those with sight loss and vision impairments they were keen to show their support for the sight loss charity.
A treat-filled coffee and cake morning held by residents at the scheme then raised a total of £360.
Emma Williams, Scheme Manager for Orbit at Queensway Court, said: “We were absolutely delighted to support our customers at Queensway Court in hosting a fundraiser for Guide Dogs UK. Barrett is a firm favourite at the scheme with all our colleagues, residents and visitors, and it is really heartwarming for us to see how he helps John live independently. We were really proud to support our customers in raising money for such an excellent cause.”
John, Barrett’s owner and Queensway Court resident, added: “Barrett is such a huge help to me every single day and I’m so grateful to everyone living and working at Queensway Court for supporting this amazing fundraiser for the Guide Dogs, and Barrett absolutely loved the event with all the attention he was getting!
“I’d also like to thank Orbit for everything they’ve done to support me through this transition and for welcoming Barrett into the scheme with such open arms.”
Miles Northwood, Community Fundraising Manager at Guide Dogs, commented: “We are delighted to hear more about how Barrett is supporting John to live actively, independently and well. This work that we do to support those with a vision impairment is not possible without the support of donations and we are very thankful to the residents of Queensway Court and Orbit for supporting us with this fundraiser.”
Guide Dogs’ National Centre, home to the charity’s breeding programme, is based in Warwickshire in Bishop’s Tachbrook. To find out more about getting support with vision impairment, or how you can help Guide Dogs through volunteering, donating, rehoming dogs and more, visit: www.guidedogs.org.uk
More information about Orbit’s independent and supported living schemes is available at: www.orbitcustomerhub.org.uk/find-a-home/independent-supported-living