When 24 year old Mandurah resident Ayesha Patterson was four years old, a red-back spider gave her a bite that would change her life.
She contracted an eye condition called retinitis pigmentosa, and now has only one degree of vision.
“It causes tunnel vision and night blindness,” Ms Patterson said.
That meant Ms Patterson used to feel uncomfortable walking the streets after dark, but since getting her own guide dog, Birdie, in 2013, that has changed.
“It helped with my independence, and gave me just the confidence to get out there,” Ms Patterson said.
“To walk in Perth city by myself at night, it just gave me that confidence.”
She is compelled to help others in her situation gain more independence.
Ms Patterson and her mother Sharon are organising a rather unique kind of fundraiser for Guide Dogs WA, Dining in the Dark Mandurah.
Guests to the event will enjoy a three course meal, meet a guide dog, and enjoy entertainment by local singer-songwriter Jasmine Atkins, all solely lit by battery-operated candles on each table.
“You can see what you’re getting, but also experience how a person who is blind or has vision impairment actually eats a meal, because… it’s a big part of everyone’s life, it’s a social event,” Ms Patterson said.
The funds raised will go directly to Guide Dogs WA, towards covering $35 000 it costs to train each dog.
Dining in the Dark Mandurah will be held on Saturday November 5 at 6pm in the Platinum Room of Peel Thunder Football Club.
Tickets are $60 each with tables of 8-10 people, and include a three-course meal.
Call 9537 5400 or visit Peel Thunder Football Club to purchase a ticket.
