County dominates guide dog awards
Volunteers from across Lanarkshire have been rewarded for their work with Guide Dogs Scotland.
The charity’s annual volunteer awards were held at St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Hamilton.
It’s an opportunity to celebrate the difference that volunteers make to people with sight loss, both individually and collectively, within the Glasgow and the West of Scotland Community Team, which is based in Hamilton.
Half of the awards went to people from Lanarkshire, with the group award jointly going to Chatelherault Cohorts and Hamilton Fundraising Group.
Hamilton man Douglas Selkirk won the open category for his volunteer role as a driver.
And Elaine Perry from Wishaw won the Innovative Award, and was also part of the award-winning Hamilton Fundraising Group.
Chatelherault Cohorts undertake a number of volunteer roles, including puppy walking, speaking and fundraising.
Between them, the group have started over 90 guide dog puppies on their journey to become fully-trained guide dogs, involving looking after each pup for over a year, introducing them to different social situations, and providing initial training.
To top it off, the group have raised over £13,000 for Guide Dogs, and have donated enough to name 19 pups.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We have all been volunteering for Guide Dogs for over 12 years, so it begins to get into your blood – what a great thing it is when you get a phone call to say your pup will become a fully-qualified guide dog.
“You know that someone with sight loss can get their life back on track and become independent.”
Douglas Selkirk, who won the Open category, said: “As a volunteer, I get to meet loads of interesting people, both with and without sight loss, as well as being involved with so many intelligent dogs.”
Volunteer consultant Amy Mcgirr, said: “Volunteers play such an important role within Guide Dogs. Without volunteers, we would be unable to support people with sight loss the way we do.
“We truly value the contribution our volunteers make – thank you.”
If you would like to volunteer for the charity, there are a number of opportunities available. Full training and support is provided. For more information email Amy.mcgirr@ guidedogs.org.uk, call her on 0118 983 8123, or visit guidedogs.org.uk. their