Passion for guide dogs nets Angela life membership

Guide dogs are Angela Allen’s passion in life.

In her own words, the West Gosford resident “eats, drinks and lives” all things guide dogs.

It’s a passion that saw Allen awarded an honorary life membership from Guide Dogs NSW/ACT recently at their annual general meeting in the St Leonards headquarters.

The award was in appreciation of her work over the past 15 years fundraising and supporting the Guide Dogs association and her endless promotion of the services the association offers people who are blind or have low vision.

The 75-year-old has been vision-impaired all her life, but it hasn’t stopped her living a full and very independent life, something she attributes to the support of the Guide Dogs.

When she decided to migrate to Australia from Ireland 16 years ago – along with her guide dog Hamish – it was the Guide Dogs who helped ensure the transition to a new country was a smooth one.

“It was an honour for me to accept this award from the chairperson,” Allen said.

“The Guide Dogs have given me my independence.

“When I came to Australia 16 years ago with my Irish guide dog Hamish, they absolutely supported me and made my move as easy as possible.

“It is now my passion.

“I have my independence, I am active in the community, I go to dance, I’m in a choir, in the CWA and go to clubs like Probus to help promote Guide Dogs.

“And I get there with the help of my working guide dog Jolie.

“I love being out there, representing the Guide Dogs association.

“I encourage other people with low vision to approach the Guide Dogs who can help you do whatever it is you want to do.

“They help you navigate whatever you want.”

Well known in the community, Allen has helped raise many thousands of dollars for the association over the years and said Central Coast residents were very generous.

“The people of the Central Coast are just brilliant and support us so much,” she said.