Pawgust
Winter in Canberra is very refreshing. Lindy and I have been practising our walks early in the morning in preparation for PAWGUST in August, then I snuggle up as much as possible during the day while Lindy is busy working on her computer.
This year will be the last PAWGUST run by Guide Dogs Australia. Lindy along with many of our supporters have supported PAWGUST all the years it was run, except one when a memorial for Guide Dog Comet raised much-needed funds for the next generation of Guide Dogs.
The link for our site is: Guide Dogs – Lindy Hou
June-July activities
I have been taking it easy since the last “Quick as a Flash” newsletter.
Hands Across Canberra Connected Community Grant
During this time, I have represented the Canberra Blind Society to accept the Connected Community Grant for the vision impaired exercise program at the Hands Across Canberra morning tea. The reporter from Region Canberra wrote an article about the grants and the works carried out by various community groups in Canberra. You can see how I was the pin-up boy.
Link to the Region Canberra online article
Art and Theatre
I took Lindy to Canberra Theatre to see Steel Magnolias where we had a behind-the-scenes stage tour and met the producer of the show beforehand. The show was audio described to ensure Lindy and other vision impaired patrons can fully enjoy the show. Once we overcame a bit of a technology challenge, Lindy and her friend were able to enjoy the show.
Further Audio Described shows are planned for the rest of the year.
Canberra Blind Society Speakers Program
We went to the Canberra VIEW club meeting a couple of weeks ago. Lindy and Danielle shared their lived experience as a vision impaired person and how they manage to live a full life.
They also share with the members the work that the Canberra Blind Society does. The aim is to increase awareness and understanding about vision impaired people, how we can be more inclusive of everyone in the community.
If you know any community groups who would like a speaker, just email speakers@canberrablindsociety.org.au Lindy is beginning to plan the campaign to spread the word to schools and corporate groups.
Please visit the Canberra Blind Society website to find out more about what CBS does.
Parkrun
I volunteered at our local Parkrun as a Turn Marshal a few weeks ago. I made sure all the doggies took their owners around the witches hat the right way.
Usually Lindy runs Parkrun with a volunteer Achilles guide while I rest at home.
Army Cadet Band (The Bandicoots) rehearsal
I was made very welcome at the Army Cadet Band practice at Legacy House. I had to help Aunty Polly open up for the practice and enjoyed lots of attention from the Cadets. They even wrote about me in their Facebook post:
“We’re excited to announce we’ve partnered with Legacy Canberra and have found a new rehearsal space at Legacy House.
The Bandicoots welcomed a very special furry friend into the band family today! Meet Flash! When he’s not soaking up pats and making friends with absolutely everyone he meets, Flash is a hardworking guide dog doing an incredibly important job.
It was a pleasure having you hang out with us today, Flash. Thanks for stopping by – and yes, we all agree – you really are the goodest of good boys!”
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I plan to walk for at least 1 hour every day for PAWGUST. Please join me in walking in August. Your support for the next generation of Guide Dogs is much appreciated. (Guide Dogs – Lindy Hou)
Woof Woof
Flash Hou
(until I get my own email address, you can contact me via Lindy’s email)
lindy@lindyhou.com
Tel: 0402 113 836 / +61 402 113 836
