Guide Dogs visit got tails wagging at InstaVolt HQ!

InstaVolt was delighted to welcome a visit from Guide Dogs to its Basingstoke head office this week, raising awareness and vital funds for the charity.

Volunteers, dogs and a Guide Dog Owner met the InstaVolt team and explained the work they do to help change the lives of blind and partially sighted people through increased mobility and independence. InstaVolt staff met Dean and his guide dog Victor, as well as retired guide dogs Pierre and Acorn, with volunteers Anne and Carol.

The charity, also known as The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, was established in 1934, following the guide dog partnerships in the UK in 1931. Today, it is the world’s largest breeder and trainer of working dogs and has transformed more than 36,000 lives through its guide dog partnerships.

Guide Dogs is headquartered in Burghfield Common, Reading. As a close neighbour, InstaVolt is proud to support this local charity and wanted to create a fund-raising initiative that would incentivise employees to support Guide Dogs while helping them understand the incredible work they do.

Leading up to the visit staff were encouraged to donate, with funds raised of £1,000 in total.

The charity is particularly close to the heart of InstaVolt’s CEO, Delvin Lane, who has trained as a guide dog fosterer which involves providing a trainee guide dog with a loving temporary home on their journey to become a guide dog.

He said: “It’s been an absolute joy to welcome the Guide Dogs team into our workplace, not just because of the smiles they brought, but because of the incredible difference they make.

“Supporting local charities that champion independence and accessibility aligns closely with our values, especially around inclusion and wellbeing. The enthusiasm from our team has been amazing, and we’re proud of our employee donation.”

Sophie Hall, the co-ordinator for the Basingstoke Fundraising Group said: “We were thrilled to be asked to visit InstaVolt’s offices and introduce some of our wonderful dogs to the team.”

“Their very generous donation will go towards the training and support of guide dogs to help us continue supporting nearly 3,200 working guide dog partnerships in the UK.”