Staff at the University of Edinburgh have raised almost £200 for local charity, Guide Dogs Scotland, after a fundraising event was held at its Beaverbank student accommodation.
The University of Edinburgh’s Residence Life team joined forces with a local branch of Tesco to approach businesses for support and donations ahead of the event. The combined efforts raised £200 for blind and partially-sighted people across Scotland.
The event included a Guide Dogs Scotland stall and a tombola with prizes donated from local businesses, including VIP cinema tickets and vouchers for restaurants.
Staff also welcomed guide dogs, Una and Woody, and puppy in training, Bow, along with charity representatives, Elaine MacKenzie, Fiona Black, Carol MacDonald and Nikki Neesam, to meet the team and those attending the fundraiser.
Dorothea Kalogianni, Resident Assistant, called for her colleagues to help raise money for the charity after previously supporting stray dog rescue centres in her home country of Greece.
Lynne Duff, Assistant Director of Residence Life, said: “I’m delighted to see such a great response from members of the public for our fundraiser in aid of Guide Dogs Scotland. The money raised will help fund the cost of breeding and training guide dogs for the blind, providing essential support for people who are blind or partially sighted, something which is often taken for granted in everyday life.
“I’d like to thank all of those who donated so generously, and to colleagues who worked hard to help such a fantastic cause.”
Nikki Neesam, Community Fundraiser at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “We're very grateful for the support of the fundraisers and everyone who donated on the day. Each guide dog partnership costs about £50,000 to train and support, and Guide Dogs receives no government funding for this service, which is supported entirely by public generosity.
“The money raised will easily cover the cost of a starter kit for a new guide dog owner, containing everything they need to start a life with their new guide dog. It will go on towards helping make a life-changing difference to someone with sight loss.”