Local Guide dogs fundraiser retires after 10 years volunteering

Guide Dogs has paid tribute to volunteer Anne Ferguson who has retired after leading the charity’s West Renfrewshire fundraising group for 10 years. Anne, from Johnstone, helped raise both money and awareness of Guide Dogs in the area in her role as group coordinator - and the charity is now appealing for a new volunteer to take on the challenge.

Tammy McMichael, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager, said: “Anne has been a huge part of the fundraising family at Guide Dogs, leading the way with passion, enthusiasm, and a genuine commitment to Guide Dogs’ mission to support people with sight loss to live the life they choose.

“By giving her time and energy, Anne has allowed our charity to continue supporting people with sight loss in West Renfrewshire and beyond. It is with great sadness that I wish Anne a very happy retirement from volunteering and hope she knows how much she will be missed – not just by me, but by all the staff and volunteers who have had the pleasure of working alongside her these last 10 years.”

The group, run entirely by volunteers, is now in need of a new group coordinator to help organise events and raise funds for the charity.

Tammy continued: “Being part of the group is a great way to make new friends, while helping to raise awareness and funds for Guide Dogs, especially now that we can get back out and about again. The group coordinator is the key contact for the branch in the local community, helping to organise a variety of activities such as collections, social events and tea parties. We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, a good communicator and likes working as a team.”

The West Renfrewshire fundraising group is open to anyone who would like to support a good cause and be part of a local social group.

Tammy said: “It costs around £60,000 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement and Guide Dogs relies almost entirely on public donations, so the support we get from our local groups is vital. If you’re from the area and think you could help us, please get in touch.”

Volunteers must be aged 16 or over and Guide Dogs will provide all the training required for each role. Visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer or contact Volunteer Coordinator Heather Valentine at: Heather.Valentine@guidedogs.org.uk or on 07867 141453 for more information.