Bay of Plenty residents are encouraged to join forces with their dog or simply support a friend to help raise vital funds this month for Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs.

Blind Low Vision NZ chief executive Andrea Midgen says the Pawgust challenge is a unique fitness and fundraising initiative that challenges participants to walk or run with their furry friends every day throughout August.

“By gathering sponsorships from friends and family, you will contribute to the breeding, raising, and training of life-changing guide dogs, who offer freedom and independence to people with low vision or blindness.”

Andrea says Blind Low Vision NZ aims to raise awareness about the critical role guide dogs play in the lives of their clients.

“Unlike typical pet dogs, guide dogs must brave all weather conditions – rain, sun, snow, or shine – to assist their handlers.

“They navigate through bustling pavements, street crossings, e-bikes and scooters, ensuring their handler’s safety.”

While people are walking with their furry friend, Blind Low Vision NZ wants them to consider the role of guide dogs.

“Creating inclusive public spaces is a collective responsibility – and unfortunately not everyone thinks of that when they leave e-scooters lying around, or road signs obscuring pathways and bus stops, or e-bikes zooming by on the footpath,” says Andrea.

“At least once a week we have clients sharing stories where they’ve struggled to navigate public spaces with ease and independence, due to obstacles and lack of awareness from cyclists and scooter users.”

As a result, Blind Low Vision NZ wants people to create environments where individuals with blindness or low vision, and their guide dogs, can navigate public spaces confidently and independently.

“By braving the cold this August and asking family and friends to sponsor you, you’re helping to create a world where everyone who needs a guide dog, has a guide dog.”

The Pawgust challenge is free – and you don’t need a dog to participate.

“By gathering friends and family to sponsor efforts, participants – with or without a furry friend – can contribute to raising and training guide dogs,” says Andrea.

“It takes nearly two years to breed and train a guide dog and up to $175,000 to keep a guide dog in service. These remarkable canines then go on to provide years of independence and companionship to people with blindness or low vision.”

To get involved, visit: pawgust.co.nz

- SunLive