Evening meeting - Stuart Donaldson talking about Guide dogs for the blind and he will have a couple of dog handlers with their dogs.

On Thursday 28^th March 2019 President Anne Sampson, welcomed 24 Cub Rotarians and Guests and speakers Stuart Donaldson and Helen Main to this evening meeting held in the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes. 

On reception were Geoff Sampson and Chris Grist.

Our guest speakers this week were Stuart Donaldson from Guide dogs for the blind with his 15-month-old Guide Dog puppy Andy, supported by GD Owner Helen Main (partially sighted) with Guide Dog Geordie who both gave us a Fascinating insight from the trainer and the users perspective. Stuart who is a volunteer guide dog trainer and speaker spoke about his small, friendly group covering the St Andrews, North East Fife and Glenrothes area. They hold several store and street collections throughout the year and their volunteer speakers also visit schools and groups with the dogs to spread awareness of Guide Dogs.

This group have a close association with St Andrews University Guide Dogs Society hence the name for Stuarts puppy “Andy” sponsored by this group who regularly meet with the students who love meeting the pups.

He also spoke about Guide Dogs worldwide who exist to provide life-changing services to the 360,000 people who are registered blind or partially sighted, and the two million people in the UK living with sight loss. They provide a range of services with and beyond the dog to help thousands of people with different needs lead confident, independent and fulfilling lives. He advised that to train a dog fully may cost up to £57k and not all dogs are chosen to be suitable to go on to look after the blind or partially sighted person. Stuart then passed over to GD Owner Helen Main who is partially sighted with Guide Dog Geordie and she spoke about her condition and how she was selected for a dog. She told us some lovely stories about her and Geordie and how he has transformed her life. Life without her dog would mean isolation for her, lack of confidence to go out anywhere and allows her family to carry on relatively normal life’s without having to leave Helen at home.

The Rotary Vote of thanks was given by Wilna Roger

This coming week Thursday 4^th April 2019 will be a lunch time meeting to be held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, meeting at 12.45pm for a 12.55pm start our speaker this week will be our own Jack Dempsey talking about his very interesting walking experiences.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome.