The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety announced as Guide Dogs WA Street Appeal Corporate Challenge winners
| Date: | Monday, 10 July 2017 |
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The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety was recently announced as the Guide Dogs WA Street Appeal Corporate Challenge winners.
Sixteen volunteers from the department helped raise more than $3000 towards the total fundraising effort of over $32,000 as part of the annual appeal.
In a personal connection with the organisation, departmental staff member Eric Seery was matched with his own guide dog, Sundae, in 2016. The pair graduated from the guide dogs training program just last month.
At eight years of age, Mr Seery was diagnosed with Stargardt's disease, a genetic condition which causes progressive and significant loss of vision. His vision loss was sudden and unexpected.
"One day in Year 3 I was able to read the blackboard from the back of the class and the next day I couldn’t," Mr Seery said.
"My sight has slowly deteriorated over the years to the point where I can magically make a passing bus disappear by looking at it directly."
After progressing to using a white cane to assist his mobility, Mr Seery was accepted to the Guide Dog Program.
"I have really enjoyed the difference Sundae has made," Mr Seery said.
"Walking with a Guide Dog feels so natural compared to using the cane. Getting a Guide Dog has been a life-changing experience."
Dangerous Goods Team Leader Erin James said both Mr Seery and Sundae are making a positive difference to the department.
"Eric is meticulous when it comes to details and Sundae is the team 'morale' dog," Miss James said.
Mr Seery said his colleagues love having Sundae in the workplace.
"I think she brings light into everybody's day. She even has her own Dangerous Goods Officer ID badge!" Mr Seery said.
