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Kevin joins guide dogs delegation
15.10.12
INISHOWEN guide dog
owner Kevin Kelly has taken part in a briefing with
TDs and senators about the work of the charity.
Kevin is parliamentary assistant to Senator Mary Ann
O'Brien and was well placed to inform the
politicians about the importance of guide dogs for
people with visual impairment.
The Clonmany man, who lost his sight aged 14, has
had dog Miles since 2008. He credits the gorgeous
canine with giving him the confidence and
independence that helped him secure his position at
Leinster House.
The Irish Guide Dogs delegation was headed by the
charity's chairman Alan Dukes. The group also
included CEO, Padraig Mallon, guide dog owner, Lean
Kennedy and Claire Hawkins who gave a moving account
of how assistance dog Gandon helps her autistic son,
AJ. |
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Pictured outside Leinster House are
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind (IGDB) trainer, Aoife
Josh; Martin Haydon, Fine Gael Kildare South; Lean
Kennedy with her guide dog, Murphy; Senator Mary Ann
O’Brien, Kevin Kelly with his guide dog, Miles; Alan
Dukes, IGDB chairman; Claire Hawkins with assistance
dog, Gandon, and IGDB ceo, Padraig Mallon. |
The TDs and Senators
were told that Irish Guide Dogs is currently
struggling to raise over 85% of its annual income
from fundraising.
Mr Dukes highlighted the pressure to meet increased
demand for services and the difficulty in having to
raise more than €3.5 million each year to sustain
the organisation.
Senator O’Brien said she could see the value of a
guide dog from her first-hand experience of working
with Kevin. She pledged her support to help secure
additional State aid for the charity. |
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