Over 150 participants flocked to the Newlands Golf and Country club in Langley, B.C. participated in the 2019 IAM District 250 Guide Dogs of America (GDA) fundraiser. The 4th annual event raised approximately $58,000 and was held on 20 July, 2019
DL 250 Organiser Al Cyr, assisted by Janet Trudell, pulled off yet another great day for the IAM’s very own charitable organisation. Canadian General Vice-President Stan Pickthall and GVP Mark Blondin, Vice-President for Aerospace were pleased to attend and support this great event.
The event’s keynote speech was made by GDA President Russ Gittlen who attended and participated in the fundraiser. Gittlen, who made remarks at the banquet and awards presentation, said, “A Guide Dog means a world of difference to the recipients who find themselves able to move around more freely, to socialize with others, and to have a companion they can work with in their daily lives. I thank you all for giving the gift of sight to sight-impaired people.”
Guide Dogs of America empowers people who are blind and visually impaired to live with increased independence, confidence and mobility by providing expertly matched guide dog partners. GDA was founded over 70 years ago by retired Machinist member Joseph Jones, Sr. with the help of the IAM.
