Guide Dogs

HIGHLY COMMENDED CHARITY

MEET STELLA.

“Help visionimpaired people live a close-tonormal life. The dogs are wonderful companions for people and their guides in their everyday lives.” FEMALE, 60+, NSW/ ACT “Amazing in the work they do for visionimpaired people. They rely on volunteers and donations to keep their work going.” FEMALE, 60+, QLD

Stella was born with a rare eye condition called Achromatopsia, which means she can only see black, white and grey and has trouble with her vision in bright light. Despite this, Stella has big dreams to become an artist or a vet when she grows up. Stella uses a white cane and is currently learning Braille. She also loves dogs and is very excited at the thought that one day she might have her very own Guide Dog. Stella has been on a mission to increase awareness for Achromatopsia in her local community and, over the last two years, has raised more than $16,000 for Guide Dogs through her ‘Rainbow Days’. To recognise Stella’s amazing efforts, a generous Guide Dogs supporter recently gifted tickets for Stella and her family to visit the ‘Matisse: Life & Spirit’ exhibition at the Art Gallery of NSW, where Stella was able to spend the day admiring the works of one of her favourite artists. Each year Guide Dogs organisations across the country help thousands of Australians, including children just like Stella, to lead independent, safe and fulfilling lives. This is made possible not only by the trust Clients place in their services but by the trust of the community who help fund over 75 per cent of services through donations; placing their trust in Guide Dogs to use their funds responsibly and for the purpose intended.