Awards to pair for Guide Dogs support

Two Perthshire women have been honoured for their work with Guide Dogs at the charity’s recent volunteer awards.

Betty Kinnear, from Aberfeldy, won an award in the Engage category, while Heather Walker, from Luncarty, collected the Personcentred award.

The volunteers were presented with their awards by Guide Dogs Perth and District Branch chairwoman Deirdre McVean.

Deirdre said: “Betty is one of the most dedicated and successful volunteers in our branch.

“She has volunteered for over 27 years, first becoming involved as a puppy-raiser.

“Betty has lots of innovative ideas to raise money for Guide Dogs.

“She was delighted to have won, although she felt she did not deserve it as she is such a modest person.

“Throughout the pandemic, Betty has continued her knitting and other craft work and raised more than £400.

“In 2021, Betty held a very successful Christmas fair in Aberfeldy, with sales reaching over £1,300.

“She was also instrumental in getting a cafe in Pitlochry to donate to name a guide dog puppy and worked with Breadalbane Academy, inspiring them to raise funds.”

Deirdre said: “Heather has been a dedicated volunteer for 17 years and has been a puppy-raiser throughout that time. Most of her pups have gone on to become guide dogs.

“Both Heather and her husband have raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years for our branch.

“Heather is someone I could always count on to help out. She talks to the public about the charity with such positivity and is truly a Guide Dogs ambassador.”