There’s a range of activities people usually undertake to raise money for guide dogs; jumping out of a plane usually isn’t one of them.
But for Mandurah woman Beth Paterson, there’s no better way to raise money, awareness and passion for the very important cause.
To celebrate National Volunteer Week, Guide Dogs WA staff, volunteers, supporters and clients will all take the plunge at Rockingham Beach on Saturday May 13.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Ms Paterson has been involved in raising money for guide dogs since the 90’s.
The self-confessed dog lover is hoping to raise $1,500 for Guide Dogs WA, and she is excited to be more than halfway to reaching her goal.
“This makes me feel so happy,” she said.
“I have seen how a guide dog can enrich their lives, and the lives of their families.”
Ms Paterson has been driven by both a love of dogs, and her knowledge of the limitations placed on people by blindness, to make the dive.
“[If I lost my vision], it would be very challenging, with a big learning curve,” she said.
“Interestingly though, in my last yoga class we were told to keep our eyes closed throughout our entire class. I found this very timely. Of course, this was to help us to concentrate on our breathing, but for me it also had a different significance.
“I imagined myself without sight and how I really had to rely on the instructions. She was very clear with the instructions but it gave me food for thought.”
There’s still time to support Ms Paterson and all of the other skydivers: go to the Guide Dogs WA Everyday Hero fundraising page to make a pledge.
Anyone who would like to congratulate the divers after their jump are urged to head down to Rockingham Beach on Saturday.
