THEY fundraise, look after dogs in training, assist the blind and partially sighted in the community and much, much more – and all with a smile on their faces.

Without the valuable contribution volunteers make, there simply wouldn’t be guide dogs.

“All our volunteers are essential and make a huge contribution in helping us give blind and partially sighted people the independence to live their lives,” said volunteering consultant Janet Harper.

“We just couldn’t do what we do without them – they are amazing. You simply cannot fault their commitment.”

Statistics show that for every member of staff there are 12 volunteers across the Guide Dogs organisation nationally who selflessly give up their time to help people with visual impairments.

The volunteers are involved in every step of the guide dog journey.

From those who care for the breeding dogs, puppy walkers, boarders and fundraisers through to those helping people directly with sight loss in their local community via the charity’s My Guide service, there are so many ways to get involved.

And no matter how small the contribution, every little bit can help to make a difference to someone’s life.