News
Guide Dogs Victoria’s Community Fair a roaring success
More than two thousand people came through Guide Dogs Victoria’s doors on Saturday 5 April as we launched our new Campus and showcased the best of our services and our beautiful dogs.
The Inaugural Community Fair was filled with dog demonstrations, puppy cuddles, market stalls, blind games, sausage sizzles, accessibility expos, raffles, face-painting and fundraising.
One of the crowd favourites was a blind AFL handball competition, where AFL stars Jack Silvagni and Mason Cox went up against professional blind AFL players. Despite their professional training, the duo said it was a humbling experience losing the use of their vision and gallantly conceded defeat against the blind AFL players.
AFL players Jack Silvagni and Mason Cox and Blind AFL players at the handball competition.
Mason Cox has experienced vision loss himself after an on-field injury left him with a detached retina. He spoke candidly about the reality of adjusting to vision loss.
Also on the main stage was The Voice contestant Rachael Leahcar, who volunteered her time to sing throughout the day, while MC Madeline Spark from Nine News and Postcards fame kept the crowd informed and entertained.
Rachael Leahcar onstage with accompanying guitar.
Dolly Diamond, a Guide Dogs Ambassador was a big hit with the kids getting glitter tattoos and participated in a great onstage Q&A describing what it takes to become a puppy raiser.
Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Nicky Long was blown away by the support of the community and expects the fair to become a staple event in the organisation’s future.
Dog demonstration in action.
“We plan to do this every year, to open our doors to the community so they can see the breadth of work and support we offer our clients,” Ms Long said.
It was especially great to see many working Guide Dogs alongside their Handlers in the crowd, and spot some amazing reunions with the dogs’ own Puppy Raisers.
Two volunteers manning the sausage sizzle.
Guide Dogs Victoria would like to thank all those who volunteered their time at the event and a huge congratulations to the staff who made the day an unforgettable experience for all those who attended.
We hope to welcome you all again in the future.
