Sonia in guide dog campaign

Olympian Sonia O’Sullivan is calling out to Meath people to volunteer with Irish Guide Dogs in its upcoming campaigns.

The former world champion runner regularly volunteers and lends her support to the national charity.

Sonia is fronting a major radio and poster campaign that began on Monday  to encourage more people to volunteer their time with the charity.

“Irish Guide Dogs change people’s lives,” said Sonia. “I love working with them. The impact of the working dogs is life-changing and so worthwhile. I’d like to encourage as many people as possible to help out. You will enjoy it as well as doing some good for other people.”

 “We are a community-based charity and we need the support from people in every locality in Ireland to make a difference,” said Louise O’Sullivan Geary, Community Fundraising and Volunteer Manager.

“We are 80per cent funded through voluntary donations and fundraising events so any help members of the public can give us is much appreciated.”

One working dog costs €38,000 to train through its working life and the charity offers its services to people for free to ensure it does not exclude anyone because of lack of income. In 2013 it trained the highest number of people to date, 197 people across all of its services.

“We could not do the work we do without the public’s support and generosity. Please get in touch to sign up to help,” said Louise.

You can volunteer with Irish Guide Dogs by email fundraising@guidedogs.ie, LoCall 1850 506300 or website www.guidedogs.ie