Giant Guide Dog Support for GWS GIANTS against Port Adelaide
03 August, 2012
The world's biggest model guide dog, puppies and a blindfold challenge will be among the pre-game attractions when the GWS GIANTS take on Port Adelaide at Skoda Stadium on Saturday 4 August.
With the incidence of vision loss on the rise, the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT display aims to inform GWS GIANTS fans about the free, local services available to help those affected to be independent.
"Vision loss can affect anyone at any stage of their life and this can have a huge impact on their ability to safely get around on their own," said Jane Bryce, a Community Education Coordinator for Guide Dogs.
"Research predicts that the number of people in NSW and ACT with vision loss will increase by 300,000 by the year 2020.
"By seeking help early from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, people can enhance their independence and reduce the risk of accidents and depression often associated with vision loss."
Guide Dogs provides training in how to use long canes, guide dogs and electronic travel aids like talking GPS mobile phone technology.
Over the past year, Guide Dogs has delivered over 1200 programs to almost 500 people with impaired vision living across western Sydney. All programs are provided free of charge and tailored to each person's needs.
At the Guide Dogs stand, GWS GIANTS fans can pat some guide dog puppies and participate in a blindfold challenge to experience how a long cane can help people with impaired vision to find their way around.
Photos can also be taken with Gulliver, the Giant Model Guide Dog. At 4.3 metres tall, the fiberglass guide dog replica, is the largest of his kind in the world. Over the past two years, Gulliver has travelled over 15,000 kilometres across NSW, the ACT, Victoria and South Australia raising awareness of Guide Dogs free services.
To learn more, visit the Guide Dogs stand at Skoda Stadium from between 12pm and 5pm on Saturday 4 August, before the GWS GIANTS take on Port Adelaide.
For more information visit www.guidedogs.com.au or call 02 9412 9300.
ENDS
MEDIA: Please contact: Sally Edgar, 0413 753 241 or media@guidedogs.com.au
ABOUT GUIDE DOGS NSW/ACT
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is the leading provider of training in how to use aids like guide dogs and long canes to get around safely and independently for people who are blind or have impaired vision. All services are provided locally and free of charge. The organisation relies entirely on the community's generosity to provide these services. To learn more about Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.com.au, 'Like' us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or call 9412 9300.
Facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/guidedogsnswact
Twitter link: https://twitter.com/GuideDogsNSWACT