Guide Dogs Volunteer, Jade McCormack and her Guide Dog Winter

Branch volunteer Jade McCormack was matched with Guide Dog ‘Winter’, late last year and in this article Jade describes her life since welcoming Winter. “In October 2022 after almost four years without a dog, I was finally matched with a beautiful black Lab retriever cross named Winter. Winter from the minute she waltzed through the door, took centre stage in the house. She has lots of little quirks that make her who she is, one of them being that she is a creature of comfort and can often be found snuggled in her bed with a stolen blanket or lying on the mat curled up by my daughter as she plays. After using only my cane for almost four years, I had forgotten the freedom having a guide dog can give you. With a lot of guidance and advice from my excellent trainer, after two weeks Winter and I were flying solo and it has been a phenomenal experience ever since. Winter has given me back the confidence to go out and about and not worry that I’m going to walk into things like cars parked on footpaths and obstacles that can often impact the way for those of us who are vision impaired.I can safely take my daughter to and from places like school or the shops and be safe in the knowledge that Winter is beside me helping and guiding me safely every step of the way.Winter has enhanced my independence in the best possible way by allowing me to grow in confidence and providing unconditional love even if I do forget the treats sometimes. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for my fluffer and I over the next while.” We wish Jade and Winter the very best of luck in the future and will provide any updates we receive. If you are interested in volunteering with us please feel free to contact our Balbriggan/North County Dublin Branch of Irish Guide Dogs by phone/text: 085 7663107, Email: GuideDogsBalbriggan@gmail.com or find us on Facebook: Balbriggan Branch of Guide Dogs.

Balbriggan Tidy Towns working for the local Community!

If you want to help us make a difference join us any Saturday @ 10.30am at Moylaragh playground or 11am on the main beach or join our garden group for mid week activities. Also we received this notification from Fingal County Council which may be of interest: Batteries contain precious mined metals such as Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Mercury, Lithium and Cadmium, and it’s really important to recycle them as part of a sustainable circular economy. You can recycle household batteries at all Fingal Libraries and Community Centres and at the two main offices County Hall Swords and Civic offices Blanchardstown. The recycling centres at Estuary Swords and Coolmine accept small household and larger batteries. ERP run this battery collection initiative with Barretstown, which is a not-for-profit camp for children with cancer and other serious illnesses. So why not recycle your batteries at the local Library (see the poster)

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels Pop Up Shop Returns!

Balbriggan Meals on Wheels is delighted that our Pop-up-Shop is returning every Friday morning from Friday 24th March from 10am to 1pm.The Pop up Shop will be open at Balbriggan Meals on Wheels, 14 Hampton Street, Balbriggan with plenty of bargains available.We will also be serving Teas and Coffees, so you can enjoy a cuppa after you browse for some bargains. At just €2 for a cuppa it’s the best bargain tea and coffee in town! We look forward to seeing you there. All money raised at the Pop up Shop goes towards Balbriggan Meals on Wheels work in our community.