Guide Dogs UK is the world’s largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. Their mission is to achieve a future where every person with sight loss can live independently, actively, and well
Since they started in 1931, Guide Dogs have transformed the lives of over 36,000 people by developing strong partnerships, and that number is ever-growing.
Following an action-packed career, 59-year-old Gus decided to volunteer as a Fundraising Group Coordinator at Guide Dogs. He spoke to us about his experience in the role, including what it involves and who else might enjoy it.
Gus says, “The volunteering we do through Guide Dogs really does change lives. Being able to give something back is really rewarding.”
Making a difference
Throughout his career, 59-year-old Gus from Forfar, Scotland, has served in the army, completed a university degree, and mentored young adults with behavioural needs.
He explains, “I was in the army for around 17 years. I had to leave earlier than I would’ve liked due to an injury, so I went back to university to complete a degree in Sports Coaching and Development. This opened up endless opportunities, so I decided to help older children with behavioral needs get into sports and employment.”
Following on from this, father-of-three Gus currently coaches rugby, accompanies his children to their various scouting commitments, and is fully trained in first aid.
He says, “I like giving my time back as I remember not having the support available when I was younger, when I needed it.”
The journey to becoming a Guide Dogs volunteer
After some experience fundraising and fostering guide dog puppies over the years, Gus decided to apply to do more.
Gus says, “I’d always done some general fundraising for different causes through Facebook and my kids had always sponsored guide dogs puppies. At the time, my wife and I decided that owning a dog was too much responsibility because we were both working, so we decided to foster from Guide Dogs instead. Then it all just developed from there!
“I originally applied online to be a fundraiser for Guide Dogs but then found out that there was the opportunity to run the fundraising group in Forfar. So I decided this was my chance, and completed the comprehensive training on offer and haven’t looked back.
“I made a five-year plan to grow and develop the work we’re doing for Guide Dogs in Forfar, and here we are now in year two of it with lots of boxes ticked. Right now we probably would still like more volunteers, but it’s a very exciting time.
“Myself and all of the other volunteers in North East Scotland have received amazing support from our Volunteer Manager, Andrea. Always there to support, guide us, and keep us up to date with local events, she makes it possible for us to carry out all of our volunteering.”
“You get to meet so many different people”
According to Guide Dogs, volunteering as a Fundraising Group Coordinator involves organising a range of events in your local community to raise money and awareness of the work that the charity does with a like-minded team of volunteers.
Fundraising events can include anything from sporting activities and collections, to galas and comedy nights.
Gus explained that his role as Fundraising Group Coordinator is fun, varied, and provides great opportunities to give back and connect with the local community.
He says, “Each fundraising event is different and you get to meet so many different people. There’s always a whole mix of characters. For me, that’s the most fun part because I like speaking to and meeting new people. I’ve also bumped into people I knew from years ago.
“We’ve previously attended events like Paws at the Palace [the UK’s largest growing festival devoted to dogs and their owners] where all the volunteers have had such a great laugh together. We love to set each other fun challenges throughout the day; like who can sell the most tombola tickets in 10 minutes.
“I might be in a school one day taking in one of the guide dogs to meet children who’ve done some fundraising, and at an extravaganza the next.”
“Being able to give something back is really rewarding”
For people with sight issues or who are blind, the work of Guide Dogs can make the world of difference. Gus explained how rewarding getting involved with the charity can be.
He says, “The work we do through Guide Dogs really does change lives. I’ve seen a guide dog in Forfar walking down the hill with their new owner near where I live, and it’s absolutely amazing and so rewarding to see that.
“You can sit there knowing that part of the work we do as volunteers helps to allow that person to go out and about on their own. It’s really beautiful to see.”
“I love that the role allows me to use and develop my own skills”
Gus explained that his role as Fundraising Group Coordinator for Guide Dogs isn’t only fulfilling, but has also provided him with an opportunity to develop his skills.
He says, “I love how the role has allowed me to grow and develop my own skills. I manage the volunteers, go to events, and get the ins and outs of everything sorted. You can also learn about everything from treasury to selling a range of cuddly toys. It really teaches you so many skills.”
Just a passion to help
Volunteering as a Fundraising Group Coordinator doesn’t require previous experience in a similar role, as first-hand training, including how to organise an event is provided by Guide Dogs.
However, as a public-facing role, the role is best suited to anyone who enjoys meeting and socialising with new people, is passionate and motivated, and has an interest in organising events.
Gus also added, “I’d say that anyone volunteering as a Fundraising Group Coordinator would need to be comfortable interacting with the public and meeting lots of different people.
“If you’re quite happy talking to people, and promoting the work of the charity then it’s really just a case of turning up and giving a bit back to your community. There’s set training for the role provided by Guide Dogs UK but apart from that, we just go to an event and have fun.
“But anybody who wants to help change lives can do this role.”