Wokingham

Wokingham District Council’s chairman Cllr Angus Ross and vice-chairman Cllr Annette Drake were showing off their shades on Friday (June 30) and it was all for a good cause! They joined council staff in supporting The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association's Shades for a Day.

And, staff at Wokingham district council have never looked so cool! By wearing their sunglasses on Friday, staff raised over £450 for the worthwhile charity, and learnt more about eye care, particularly in the sun. And special guests at the Wokingham district council’s Shute End civic offices for the fundraising event were trainee guide dog Deeva and her instructor Frances Reeve and trainee guide dog Andy and his instructor Adrian Purchase.

Wokingham Cllr Angus Ross said: "When sight loss takes away a person's freedom of movement, guide dogs are there to help.

"The Shades For A Day Campaign is a fantastic way to promote an awareness of eye health and also to have some fun along the way whilst raising much needed funds for this very worthy cause. I was delighted to be able to take part in the campaign this year and to raise over £450, which is a record for us at the council. My thanks to all those members of staff for digging so deep this year."

Jacqui Chapman, local corporate fundraiser for The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, said: “We would like to thank the employees of Wokingham District Council for taking part in our national eye care campaign Shades Day.

“Sunglasses have long been an essential fashion accessory, but there is a serious message behind wearing them. Wearing sunglasses actually protects your eyes from long-term sun damage and potential sight loss. By supporting the campaign staff are raising awareness of eye care in the sun and raising valuable funds towards ophthalmic research into causes of visual impairment and the prevention of sight loss.”

Wokingham District Council