SIGHT loss charity Guide Dogs has put out an urgent plea for new volunteers to join a supporter group in Solihull.
The Solihull Guide Dogs supporter group is open to anyone who would like to support a good cause and be part of a local social group.
The group is part of a network of Guide Dogs supporter groups in place across the country, who help raise awareness and funds for the charity.
Group co-ordinator Melvin Cullen said: “We used to be a large group who’d run events and collections at supermarkets, in Solihull town centre and at Birmingham International Station.
Melvin with dogs Amey, Judy and Pickle.
“Now we only have a few active members remaining and our last event was before the pandemic.
“We urgently need to get our events, like store collections and quiz nights, running again.”
Melvin, who is also a volunteer puppy raiser for the charity, added: “My wife, Kay, and I volunteer because we know that, in a small way, we’re helping someone with sight loss to gain their freedom and independence.
“We’ve gained so much through fundraising and puppy raising for Guide Dogs.
“We’ve made life-long friends through supporting the charity.”
Felicity Stratton, community fundraising relationship manager for Guide Dogs covering Solihull, said: “We’re in desperate need of new volunteers to join our Solihull Guide Dogs supporter group.
“Our volunteer supporter groups run a range of activities, from local events to collections, helping us raise the £75.7million it costs to run our vital services each year.
“Being part of one of our groups is a great way to make new friends, whilst supporting a good cause.
“This year Guide Dogs is celebrating its 90th anniversary, and we’d love to encourage as many new volunteers as possible to join us and help us to reach our next milestone.”
Volunteers must be age 16 or over and Guide Dogs provides all the training required for each role.
To find out more email: [email protected] or call 07785 433261.
