THE Airedale & Wharfedale Guide Dogs Volunteer Group is joining the thousands of people up and down the country taking part in this year’s Guide Dogs 90 Appeal by holding their annual street collection and fund-raising stall at Otley Buttercross on Saturday, October 2nd.

This October marks 90 years since the first guide dog partnerships were formed by pioneering women Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond. These remarkable women started training dogs to support servicemen who had lost their sight in WW1. The impact was immediate.

With the exception of 2020, the group has held this event for more that 12 years, but this year is extra special as it is celebrating the remarkable 90 year milestone.

Kevin Beesting, guide dog owner and coordinator of the group said: “Local residents and businesses in and around Otley have always been exceptionally supportive of our cause, but this year we want to make the event bigger and better than ever to make up for the disappointment of last year. We are calling on anyone who lives in and around Otley to come along and support us, or even help us by shaking a bucket for an hour or two.

“There will be a tombola with incredible prizes, lots of delicious home baking and homemade jams and chutneys. We will also have games, books, music and jigsaws, as well as Christmas cards, calendars and diaries.”

Today, Guide Dogs leads the world in breeding and training working dogs, creating unique and carefully matched partnerships that provide life changing support. Guide Dogs is working to give more people with sight loss the confidence and skills they need to live the life they choose.

Kim Hutchings, Community Fundraising Manager, (North East) added: “In 2021, just under 100,000 people will be told they are losing their sight. Our expert staff, volunteers and life-changing dogs will be there to support them. As sight loss increases, we need to step up to double the number of times we provide support people.

“To celebrate our anniversary and to help Guide Dogs be there for the next 90 years, please support the group if you can. Alternatively you can choose to hold any 90-themed fundraising activity you like. If you are having fun and raising life-changing funds, then anything goes!”

The stall at Buttercross in Otley will be there from 9am until early afternoon.