Charity champion scoops top honour
Deirdre is recognised for Guide Dogs work
A Blairgowrie-based fundraiser has been recognised for her voluntary work with the Perth and District branch of Guide Dogs.
Deirdre McVean, who chairs the local branch, won the category for ‘maximising impact’ at a ceremony in the City Chambers in Edinburgh last week, organised by Guide Dogs and hosted by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Donald Wilson
Deirdre works tirelessly to raise awareness of the work that the Guide Dogs charity does, attending events and speaking to clubs, schools and organisations throughout the area.
She is also a boarder for guide dogs and has been instrumental in the campaign to name a guide dog puppy in Blairgowrie, which has so far raised over £4000 of its target of £5000.
The next event as part of that fundraising campaign is a special sponsored walk for east Perthshire pet owners and their four-legged furry friends.
The walk, which takes place on Sunday, June 26, is open to all dogs regardless of size or age and it is the dogs that are sponsored for the walk rather than their human companions.
Participants will walk along Oakbank Road in Blairgowrie for as far as they want through what organisers have described as the idyllic surroundings on the riverbank and everyone taking part will receive a goody bag and a certificate as a thank you.
There will also be a special dogthemed prize for the pooch who raises the most amount of money.
The walk is the latest in a series of fundraising events organised by those behind a campaign to raise enough money to be able to choose a name for a guide dog puppy.
A number of Blairgowrie-related names have been selected as possible monikers for the Blairgowrie puppy, and residents can vote for their favourite at various local businesses and shops in the town. Each vote costs £1, which goes towards the total fundraising amount, and the chosen name will be the one with the most votes.
Organisers are hoping for a good turnout on the day as they make the final push towards reaching their £5000 target.
The walk will start from the car park at Cargill’s on Lower Mill Street with registration any time between 10.30am and 12.30pm.
Entry is free and every penny that is raised will go straight to the name a puppy appeal.
Sponsorship forms for the dogs that are taking part in the walk are available from Deirdre McVean from Guide Dogs Scotland by emailing deirdre.mcvean@ btinternet.com or calling 01250 873059 or 07860850745.
Forms are also available at Cargill’s on Lower Mill Street.
Participants should bring completed sponsorship forms and money with them on the day of the walk. Cheques should be made payable to Guide Dogs and receipts will be available.