Guide Dogs Northern Ireland have been chosen as the charity of the year for the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast City Council, Michelle Kelly.
Cllr Kelly recently completed a blindfold obstacle course with charity under the guidance of Guide Dog Mobility Specialist Jacqueline and guide-dog-in-training Sue.
And on September 7, the Deputy Lord Mayor announced Guide Dogs NI as her chosen charity for her time in post.
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She said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be working alongside Guide Dogs NI during my term in office as one of my chosen charities. They provide integral support to some of the most vulnerable in our society and I’m really excited to profile their fantastic work over the next year."
Guide Dog Ni's Maria Rogan, said: “It’s always a great thrill to welcome any political representative who wants to support our cause, but it’s even more exciting when someone is so ready to throw themselves into the shoes of someone living with a vision impairment the way Michelle has already done.”
Guide dog owner Angela Wales was delighted for the charity to be joined at the event by the Deputy Lord Mayor. She said: “It costs £54,800 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement, so it is more important than ever to have the support of someone like Michelle.
"I’ve had Vera now for two years and she has been an absolute life-changer. I’m so pleased the Deputy Lord Mayor has chosen Guide Dogs as her charity for the year and I have no doubt she will take forward the issues facing people living in the city with a vision impairment.”
Cllr Kelly, of the Alliance Party, and Guide Dogs NI have multiple plans in place to continue their partnership over the coming year including an accessibility walk of the city centre, fundraising events and engagement with the children and young people supported by Guide Dogs NI.
If you would like to donate to Guide Dogs NI and help their ongoing work you can click here and follow the link.
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