The local branch of the charity Guide Dogs is urgently looking for new volunteers in Marlow and Bourne End.

Guide Dogs supports people with visual impairment to maintain their independence.

There are lots of different services on offer, ranging from the iconic guide dog service for children and young people, information and advice, and sighted guiding.

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The charity help organise community events and raise much needed funds but heavily relies on volunteers and donations to keep its vital services running.

Pauline Mines, who is visually impaired herself and is on the waiting list for her next guide dog, recently won a local volunteer award from the charity and is looking for more people to get involved locally.

She said: “The group was formed just before lockdown last year — so the initial buzz we had created has sadly been lost.

"We’re looking for more people to help us raise awareness and funds for Guide Dogs.

“It’s been such a time of stress over the last 18 months, I wanted to do something to help people wind down and relax — and encourage them to support a lovely charity at the same time”. 

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Guide Dogs volunteer fundraising groups organise fun activities like ‘meet the guide dogs’, bucket collections, and stalls at events, as well as working with local businesses to ask for their support.

Mireille Haviland, community fundraising manager for Guide Dogs in the area said: “Our fundraisers are a crucial part of the Guide Dogs family, with not only raising vital funds for our life-changing services, but also helping to spread the word in their local communities about what Guide Dogs do and how we support people living with sight loss.

"If you’re looking to make a difference, then please visit our website to find out more.”