Download Visions November 2009 in PDF - Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Victoria gains strength from her challenges
t’s up to you to find opportunities in this life, not
“Iobstacles.”
This is the inspiring mantra of Victoria Cole, a Guide Dogs
NSW/ACT client who has Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP)
– a genetic condition that causes a slow and progressive
degeneration of the retina.
South Africa-born Victoria moved to Australia with her
husband and son at the age of 23. By 25, she was no longer
confident enough in her vision to drive.
“At first you don’t know what’s happening; you think that’s
how everyone else is seeing too,” Victoria says.
Eight years later, Victoria became legally blind – a challenge
for a woman who is fiercely independent.
“I am not the type of person who can depend on others,”
Victoria says. “I had to tell my husband to stop dropping
me off places. I’m not a parcel; I wanted to do things
by myself.”
Victoria has since learned how to use a long cane and a
Miniguide, as well as Global Positioning System (GPS)
software that “speaks” navigational directions from her
mobile telephone.
In addition, Victoria has a Guide Dog called Jedda. “The
biggest difference when you’re using a Guide Dog is that
Making a difference in Menai
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has a team of tireless volunteers
who work in support groups and auxiliaries across
NSW to spread the word about our work and assist with
fundraising.
A typical example is the Menai Support Group, which has
been operating in Sydney’s south for over 14 years. It was
Members of the Menai Support Group have raised more than $84,000 for
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. Thank you!
you are not just by yourself any more,” Victoria says. “Some
of your life is in the dog’s hands.”
Retaining her independence has allowed Victoria to pursue
interests as varied as dragon-boat racing, ice skating and
learning foreign languages. “The more sight I’ve lost, the
more I’ve achieved,” she notes. “I’ve even walked through
Europe with my cane.”
Victoria admits that it’s “the scariest thing” when you can’t
see. “You have to talk yourself into taking up the challenge,”
she says, “but ultimately, this has only made me stronger.”
Victoria Cole with her loyal Guide Dog, Jedda.
started by local woman Lindy Fagg, whose son had a
Guide Dog.
Since then, the group has hosted a variety of fundraising
events. The most memorable was a wine-tasting night
attended by over 100 people. “It was a very successful
evening,” notes Heather Wood, the group’s treasurer for the
past seven years. These efforts have raised a total of more
than $84,000 for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
Menai Support Group members also sell raffle tickets and
Guide Dogs merchandise at local events and shopping
centres. This helps raise public awareness of our organisation
at a grassroots level.
“What has amazed me over the years is the deep respect that
Guide Dogs has in the community,” says group secretary,
Dianna McLean. “I have found my involvement with Guide
Dogs and the public to be very rewarding.”
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT thanks all past and present
support-group members for their continuing fundraising
and public-awareness efforts.
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