Guide Dog Puppy Appeal

Malcolm Hopwood

Andrew McDonald is hoping to raise $4000 to $5000 for the Guide Dog Puppy Appeal when collectors hit the streets in March.

McDonald, who’s been blind from birth, is organising the event in Ashburton on March 24 and 25.

He’s being assisted by Mid Canterbury Lions clubs and says the money raised is crucial to fund the breeding and training of guide dogs.

reduction, Don Geddes, said it was greener in Mid Canterbury “but the risk is climbing by the day”.

Fenz had already imposed restrictions on the Ashburton hill and high country on January 20.

McDonald said the appeal helps keep Blind Low Vision New Zealand ticking over.

“There are hundreds of trained dogs around New Zealand and the appeal is also an awareness issue,” he said.

He’s seeking volunteers to collect at four or five locations around town.

McDonald has had five guide dogs during his lifetime and his current black labrador, Carla, has been with him for five years.

“She’s very attached to me and enjoys what she’s doing,” he said. “Her main task is to help me avoid obstacles such as trees and road works. She likes the exercise.”

Despite never having sight, McDonald hasn’t let the disability prevent him from living life to the fullest.

“It’s part of my life, it’s something I’m used to. It doesn’t figure too much in what I do,” he said.

He resigned from AgStaff last September after 20 years as a recruitment consultant and is currently looking for other opportunities.

“It was time for a change. I’m trained in braille and computer skills and enjoy dealing with clients and staff. I’d like to remain in the agriculture sector,” he said.

“Over the years I’ve built up a knowledge of the industry and have an empathy and understanding of what’s going on.”

In the meantime he owns four rental properties in Ashburton and maintains “most of them”.

McDonald also cuts and sells firewood by the trailer-load and maintains his own gear.

He’s also a member of the Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club, takes caterpillar crawlers to rallies and drives them “with a little bit of help”.

“I’m not going to let my disability get the better of me,” he said.

McDonald, 42, has demonstrated his talent as a Blind Cap since the age of 18. He’s been a New Zealand cricket representative for most of the past 24 years.

He represented his country against Australia in Brisbane last year and had played against India, Pakistan, England, West Indies and Sri Lanka.

McDonald’s a talented batsman and this season he’s playing a summer series as part of a national domestic competition.