[IRLGuideDogs] root & Branch news

  • From: "O'Neill, Tom" <toneill@xxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: "Guide Dog Owners List \(E-mail\)" <irlguidedogs@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:32:42 +0100

Root & Branch
The Branch & Support Group Newsletter of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind

Volume 1, Issue 8

19th June 2006

National Radio Breakfast Show broadcasts live from IGDB
Today FM's Ian Dempsey Breakfast show came to IGDB Headquarters on Friday 9th
June.  Famous Roy Keane impersonator, Mario Rosenstock, presented IGDB with a
cheque for EUR20,000 - the proceeds of the spoof single 'Leave Right Now' in
which Mario (in the guise of Roy Keane) tells the story of Roy's departure
from Old Trafford.  The single made the No 1 spot during Christmas 2005. 

Presenter, Ian Dempsey interviewed several staff members and even Clive (one
of the Golden Doodles) managed to make his voice heard.  Ian also interviewed
Guide Dog User, Tom Langan from Galway.  It was great fun and a fabulous way
to start a Friday morning. 


Private Anniversary Reception with the President of Ireland
President Mary McAleese warmly welcomed IGDB to Áras an Uachtaráin on 25th
May for a private reception to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of IGDB.  50
volunteers, clients, staff and board members came along with several guide
dogs and assistance dogs.  Some people travelled from as far away as the Aran
Islands.  After the formalities, the group were treated to a private tour of
the Áras.

30th Anniversary Events Calendar
7 July:  Official launch of the IGDB commemorative postage stamp
2 Sept:  National Open Day and opening of IGDB Tribute Garden at Cork HQ
October:  Launch of 30th Anniversary Book
26th Nov:  Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service, St Finbarr's Cathedral, Cork

Thank you from the Chief Executive
In 2005, IGDB trained 80 blind and visually impaired people in working with
guide dogs, independent living skills and long cane use.  Our programme of
Assistance Dogs for Families of Children with Autism is also going from
strength to strength.  Without the support of our numerous branches up and
down the country, this simply would not be possible so I'm delighted that new
members are joining up and that new branches and support groups have been put
in place.   I also want to thank you all for supporting Shades so strongly.
The number of street collections, school visits and counter boxes placed in
shops was huge.  Shades would not have been possible without your fantastic
support.
I hope to see you at some of the upcoming events to celebrate our thirtieth
anniversary.
From all of us at IGDB - THANK YOU!
IGDB CEO, Padraig Mallon

Róisín Campbell, Fundraising Administrator at IGDB for the last two years has
left the organisation to start a new job at University College Cork.  Many of
you will have worked closely with Róisín and, although we won't be seeing her
as much as before, she will continue to be active with IGDB as a volunteer.

We are delighted to welcome Bernadette Healy as the new Fundraising
Administrator.  Bernadette has worked in similar roles in the
voluntary/community sector.  She can be contacted on 021 487 8202.

A big thank you to all who ran in the Flora women's mini marathon in Dublin
on 5 June 2006.  Many people ran for IGDB and it looks likely that a great
deal of money was raised.  On top of that, it was a fantastic day for runners
and supporters alike. 



IGDB will have an exhibition stand at the RDS Horse Show which is being held
from Wednesday 9th to Thursday 13th August at the RDS complex in the heart of
Dublin. 

The Dublin office at St Joseph's School, Gracepark Road, Drumcondra, Dublin
will host another 'Thank You Day' on 26th August.  Supporters in the North
East and South East regions will receive further details shortly. 


The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind AGM took place on 27th May at the
headquarters in Model Farm Road, Cork.  We were delighted that so many were
able to attend.  At the meeting, IGDB Chairman, Charlie Daly spoke of how the
organisation is building its capacity to meet the needs of more clients.  He
thanked the branches, donors, supporters and fundraising staff for raising
the money needed to make this happen in a very competitive environment.

News from the fundraising regions -This is a brief taste of up & coming
activity and events across the 4 regions.  More detailed information is
available from our website, www.guidedogs.ie, or by calling your Regional
Manager.


News from the North East:
A series of fundraising concerts in Draiocht, Blanchardstown will raise money
for IGDB later in the year.  Johnny McEvoy appears on Saturday 4th November;
Paddy Cole plays on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th November; Brendan Shine
performs on Thursday 30th November and finally, the Drawing Room Opera
Company should be a major attraction on Saturday 2nd December.  The theatre
is easily accessible from the M50 and has ample free parking.  Please book
directly with the theatre on 01 885 2622.  Booking opens approximately six
weeks before the performances.
For further information contact Paddy Coyle on 086 8193151 or 01 7978740.

News from the West & Midlands:
Ian Caroll and Denis Owens of the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise undertake 'The
Short Way Round' (a 3,500km motorcycle trip around Europe) from June 26th to
July 9th. 

The Donegal Branch will be in attendance at the following Agricultural Shows
in July and August:  Ardragh, Sligo, Clonmany and Ballintra Races.  On 24th
June, they will also be present at the Finn Valley show. 

25th to 27th August sees this year's 100 km 'Walk in the West'.  Over 3 days,
participants will complete the Maumturk's Walk, the Famine Walk and the
Killary Harbour Walk.  Accommodation, meals and support is included. 

Please contact Deirdre Keaveney on 093 52720 or 086 8193289 for information
on West & Midlands events.

News from the South:
The Around Ireland Boat Trip leaves Dungarvan Quay on 30th June at 1pm and
calls in at Kilkee, Westport, Killybegs, Port, Ardglass, Howth and Wexford in
a week-long trip.
Mourneabbey Community Development are holding a Flag Day in Cork City and
Limerick City on 30th June.  The flag day is part of a series of events to
raise money for Mourneabbey Community Development and IGDB.  The first
fundraiser was a Bed Push on 26th May.  

IGDB will have exhibition stalls at the Agricultural Shows in Charleville
(24th and 25th June) and Belgooly (15th and 16th July).  We'd love to see you
there.
And for those of you with dogs, the Poulanargid Dog Show takes place in
Lissarda on 23rd June, the Crookstown Dog Show on the 2nd July and the Farran
Dog Walk on the 5th July.
Details on all these events are available from Breeda Clancy on 021 487 8232
or 086 8193165.

News from the South East:
Cyclists will be getting on their bikes on 16th July to ride from UCD to
Wicklow Town in aid of IGDB.  If you would like to join in, please contact
the Dublin office
A fundraiser will be held at the Fort Conan Hotel, Duncannon, Co Wexford on
23rd June at 8pm.   

IGDB will also be at the Enniscorthy Summer Fair on Sunday 2nd July from 10am
to 5pm.  It promises to be a great day so come along and support us. 

If you would like further information on these events, please call Melanie on
01 7978741 or 086 6056430.


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