To celebrate National Dog Day (August 26th), ALDI is proud to announce their sponsorship with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, which sees the retailer sponsor Buddy, a guide dog in training, for the next two years.
Buddy, who was named by ALDI staff, is an adorable four-month-old Labrador pup. He currently lives in Co. Cork with Tim O’Brien, his volunteer puppy raiser. Tim is working alongside Irish Guide Dog’s local puppy raising supervisor, Caitriona O’Leary, for the next twelve months where he is learning all-important puppy skills that will help in his future training and development such as socialisation, obedience and toilet training.
After twelve months, Buddy will embark on the next stage of his journey and leave his puppy raiser behind to commence his technical training at the National Training Centre outside Ballincollig, Co. Cork.
ALDI has committed to covering the costs associated with the first two years of Buddy’s training, which is worth €10,000. Once his training is completed, Buddy will be matched with a new owner to help them lead a life with greater independence, freedom and mobility.
Speaking about the new partnership, Corporate Partnerships Manager, John Burke at Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: “We are thrilled that ALDI has decided to sponsor Buddy, one of our puppies in training. Donations like this enable Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind to train Guide and Assistance dogs, and ultimately empower people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism to participate in society with confidence. We are confident that Buddy will make a huge difference to somebody’s life once he graduates and we are grateful to ALDI for their support.”
Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is dedicated to enabling people who are vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence. ALDI proudly shares these core values, welcoming guide and assistance dogs in store, and operating autism-friendly shopping hours in stores across Ireland.
For more information on Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, please visit guidedogs.ie
Slán go fóill.
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