Guide Dogs NI celebrates 40 years in NI with 'Santa Paws' fundraiser in Derry

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Ruairí McHugh, kicked off the holiday season by joining Guide Dogs Northern Ireland to launch their annual ‘Santa Paws’ event alongside local guide dog owners Andrea O’Hagan and Sonia Maguire.

The charity, currently celebrating 40 years of Guide Dogs in Northern Ireland, has seen 620 dogs transform the lives of those living with sight loss in NI in that time and is currently seeking to sign up their 1000th lifetime volunteer, in time for Christmas.

Located at the North West Transport Hub, pet owners are invited to bring their dogs along to get a 'paw-trait' together with Santa Claus, in exchange for the suggested donation of £10.00

There will also be an opportunity to find out more about what the charity does and the many ways you can get involved.   

First-time guide dog owner Sonia Maguire, from Strabane, said: 

“I have always been the mummy to my four girls, but when I lost my sight I lost all of that. Since qualifying with my guide dog Pat, I’ve taken my role back as me. Me and Pat don’t have to ask permission any more. We just go on and do what we have to do.

“Events like this are a great way to raise awareness and funds, plus find out about how you can get involved through volunteering - all whilst getting into the festive spirit”

It now costs Guide Dogs £77,000 to breed, raise and train every guide dog pup to partnership, up from £34,600 in 2019.

The event will take place on Saturday 6th December from 11am to 4pm with no prior booking necessary. All dog owners are advised to think about whether this environment will be suitable for their dogs before bringing them.   

There will be raffles, spot prizes and an opportunity to chat with those living with a vision impairment and staff and volunteers on the day.    

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr Ruairí McHugh said: "It’s a real privilege to kick off the festive season with the Guide Dogs team, their owners, and the incredible guide dogs themselves. Derry City and Strabane District Council is fully committed to making our district the first visually aware space on the island of Ireland, and this wonderful event with our partners at Translink is a perfect example of that commitment in action.

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"I encourage everyone to come along, meet Santa Paws, and find out more about how they can support the vital work done by the Guide Dog teams in our community."

In 2023, Derry City and Strabane became the first Council on the island of Ireland to approve a motion to make the area a visually aware space and Translink have committed to this by their support of this event and ongoing sight loss awareness training, including social media accessibility, provided by Guide Dogs NI. 

A taster of this training will also be available to the general public on the day, ensuring a much more inclusive city for those living with a vision impairment.

Santa Paws will also take place in Belfast in Banana Block on Sunday, December 7 from 12noon until 5.00pm.  

For more information about what Guide Dogs NI do and how you can get involved, visit  www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer.