Retailer enters new partnership with Guide Dogs charity

The retailer has chosen Guide Dogs as its charity companion, with plans to raise £250,000 over the course of the year-long partnership.

The funding will enable Guide Dogs to train three new habilitation specialists, as well as two Guide Dog mobility specialists, who will help and support hundreds more people in Scotland who are living with sight loss.

Guide Dog’s Habilitation Specialists support children and young people with a vision impairment, providing them with the skills they need to live an independent and active life and helping them reach their full potential.

The process involves mobility, orientation and independent living skills. From supporting physical development in the early years, to navigating streets safely, preparing food, handling money and using technology as they grow older.

Guide Dog mobility specialists partner life-changing guide dogs to people with sight loss. The partnership boosts general mobility as well as increasing confidence and independence to go out into the community; expanding opportunities to socialise and reducing isolation.

Kyla McVicar, Guide Dogs Scotland business development manager, said: “We are really excited to be working with Scotmid and would like to say a huge thank you for their incredible support, which will enable us to train crucial new staff members and reach even more people affected by sight loss.

"This means that Scotmid will make a significant and lasting difference for families affected by sight loss across the local communities it has a presence in.”

John Brodie, Scotmid chief executive, said that the partnership with the charity fits with the retailer’s core purpose of serving communities and improving people’s everyday lives,

He said: “Guide Dogs is an excellent fit for us. Over the coming year, we are looking forward to raising much-needed funds and awareness of this very worthy cause. We want to play our part in supporting those who are affected by sight loss, helping them to live more independent and fuller lives.

Fundraising and engagement activities will be held in Scotmid’s stores throughout the year.