Virtual Dog Walk to raise money for guide dogs

DOG lovers on the Costa del Sol are being encouraged to grab their leads and put on their walking boots to join hundreds of other people in a virtual walk for charity. To celebrate International Guide Dog Day (28th April) and raise funds for the ONCE Foundation for Guide Dogs (FOPG), Specsavers Ópticas is launching its Virtual Dog Walk 2021 initiative. Taking place between the 26th of April and the 2nd of May, this will be a chance to fund the vital work that this guide dog association does and allow dog owners to get involved with the campaign without concerns about social distancing and COVID-19 restrictions.

Nerea Galdos-Little from Specsavers Ópticas in Marbella explains, ‘Due to the pandemic, we have sadly been unable to plan any big public events this past year to support our national chosen charity, the ONCE Foundation for Guide Dogs (FOPG). However, we are not going to be defeated by lockdown restrictions and have an exciting new campaign to raise vital funds for the charity - a virtual dog walk. To put it simply, members of the public will be encouraged to walk their chosen distance with (or without) their dog and help raise money for FOPG. All they need to do is donate a minimum of 5€ to the charity in their local Specsavers Ópticas store and choose a walking route and distance that suits them – along the beach, in their local park, wide open spaces or just down their local streets. It’s entirely up to them. Not only will this event raise much-needed funds for the charity, it will also increase awareness of the important work they do in breeding and training guide dogs and placing them with people with severe visual impairment in the community, enabling them to live the fullest lives possible. We have pledged to raise over 5,000€ for FOPG during 2021 and this will be an important event to help us to reach our goal and fund the training of the guide dogs, which are so essential.’

To participate in the Virtual Dog Walk, visit your local Specsavers Ópticas store to make a donation to FOPG and collect your Virtual Dog Walk Certificate. There are stores in Marbella and Fuengirola on the Costa del Sol. Specsavers Ópticas want to see participants getting involved and share the love. They’re asking you to take a picture of your dog on their walk and tag @SpecsaversOpticas on Facebook or @specsaversspain on Instagram and the best will be shared to show our support for guide dogs. To find your nearest store to make a donation visit www.specsavers.es. To find out more about FOPG visit www.perrosguias.once.es