National Volunteer Week spotlight – Lara

Image description: Lara seated on a black mat indoors beside a Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog in training. Lara is wearing dark trousers and a dark patterned top. The dog is positioned in front of her, facing the camera.

Lara’s special connection with our Guide Dogs

“Volunteering at kennels is my happy place”

I started volunteering at Guide Dog Development Centre in South Auckland, in September 2015 and I can still remember my first day. A mix of nervousness and anticipation, what exactly would I be doing? Here I am over 10 years later still turning up and still loving volunteering for Blind Low Vision NZ.

I have a brother who is blind so I do have a firsthand understanding of the life-changing difference a guide dog can make. I also sponsor guide dogs via a monthly donation.

Volunteering adds variety to your life

My day job is as an Executive Assistant to a Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer in the Transport industry. This can be a very busy and varied role, with no two days being the same. So being able to finish my week at Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog Services, helping the staff wherever I am needed and getting to spend time with the dogs in training is a pleasure, mainly because I don’t have to make the decisions and who doesn’t love cuddling a dog! I think my catch phrase must be by now “How can I help today, what do you need”.

My other passions outside of work are socialising with friends and family, travelling, walking, making memories through experiences and for downtime its reading or finding a movie or series to lose myself in. There is always something else to learn or do.

Special memories created through volunteering

There are so many wonderful memories over the last 10 years. I have predominantly worked in kennels but occasionally have been called to work in breeding centre, board dogs and even got the opportunity to look after a nine-week-old puppy before they went to their puppy raiser – that would have to be my favourite experience to date. So good for the soul. Volunteering at kennels is my happy place – if its been a tough week I can’t wait to go and help the staff and spend some time having 1:1 time with the dogs.

I have worked with lots of incredible staff members who have all taught me something, shared their expertise with me and who thank me for everything I do for them or the dogs. I love seeing the guide dogs grow from the beginning of their training to graduation and to hear of their successes. Every dog has their own personality which can be so entertaining at times.

Volunteering at Blind Low Vision NZ has also taught me so much about what it is like out in the community for people with low vision or who are blind and the challenges that they can face daily. I share this information with other people where I can; I hope this helps spread the word on how we as sighted individuals can help.

Taking the plunge to become a volunteer

My wish is that this information brings awareness to others or makes people think about how they can make a difference.

To anyone who is considering volunteering – do it! You will meet some wonderful staff who are so dedicated and passionate about what they do and ensure these dogs thrive and continue to change lives. You will get to meet some incredible dogs who work hard every day to learn their craft to make someone’s life full of independence and companionship.

Volunteering in any capacity is a great and rewarding experience. It gives me so much pleasure to know that once a week my presence is helping someone. It makes my heart feel whole and that I am giving back – I am also very lucky that my volunteering gig involves dogs.

Get out there and get amongst it, you may be surprised at how it makes you feel.