Vision Homes Association

All the latest news!

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 02:30:47 -0700

Sorry that it has been a while, but Maggie has been hogging the laptop - I can't imagine why she thinks her presentations are more important than my blog!

Anyway, I've heard that there is going to be a fundraising quiz on Friday 10th June 2011, starting at 7.30 pm at Harborne Cricket Club, Birmingham. I understand they are also organizing a raffle with loads of nice prices. If you're not busy on Friday and would like to test your general knowledge then please do come and join in.

Maggie has been busy with her fundraising, even I am impressed how well she has been doing. She has asked me to say a big thank you to everyone who has made a donation over last couple of weeks.

I would also like to send "get well soon" wishes to a lady who lives at one of our services in Ludlow. She has recently suffered from pneumonia but is feeling a little better and is now home from hospital. It is good to know that staff stayed with her throughout her time in hospital, as it must have been very worrying for someone who cannot communicate well to have to be in hospital and not know what is happening. I am impressed how well everyone coped with this extra pressure on the staff team.

I sign off now as I need my beauty sleep but I will get in touch as soon as possible.

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Recent fundraising efforts for Vision Homes Association

Fri, 06 May 2011 02:43:23 -0700

As I promised I will tell you a bit more about how I help Maggie to support Vision Homes Association.

Last week she had two collection days, one at Tesco's in Edgbaston and the other at The Cornbow Shopping Centre in Halesowen. I normally don't like getting up early (I'd sooner go back to sleep and dream about lots of lovely things to eat) but Maggie then explained that the reason she does these collections is to raise additional funds for the people that Vision Homes supports and this helps to pay for things like day trips out to interesting places.

Once she told me that, I felt I had no option but to help. I jumped out of my basket and ran to the front door waiting to go. Unfortunately Maggie is a bit of a slow coach and keeps me waiting while she fusses about getting dressed and brushing her hair (why do you humans take so long to get ready??).

We had two very interesting days. I guided Maggie safely to these venues and she took my harness off so that I was more comfortable. I sat next to Maggie and kept an eye on her while she stood with her collection box. It's a very long day for her to stand there I am lucky as I can lie down and have a quick snooze every now and then.

Loads of people came over wanting to chat to Maggie about what she is doing and then of course they say hello to me. Some even give me little treats everyone is so generous. Maggie said that she collected £165 in Tesco and £217 in Halesowen - (just imagine how many doggy treats I could get for that!!). Many thanks to everyone who donated and staff at both of these venues that were so helpful.

Anyway I have to go now. Just to let you know that I am next making my next "appearance" at the Range in Coventry on the 6^th and 7^th of this month. Please do come and say hello.

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Vision Homes' party - 29th April 2011

Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:17 -0700

I hope that you had a very nice long weekend!! Last Friday I took Maggie to the Vision Homes' street party in Ludlow. It was a party organized to celebrate not only William and Kate's wedding, but also the 20th anniversary of one of VHA's care home services in Ludlow. I know that many of the people who live there came from long-stay hospitals from around the country, but now Ludlow has become their home and they have become part of the local community.

At the party a good time was had by all. There was lots of good food, guests from other VHA locations and nice patriotic decorations. While I was walking around saying hello to everyone, I noticed that one lady had her nails painted with red, white and blue nail varnish. I liked this idea very much. (I wonder if my paws would look good like that?)

While people were busy watching the wedding, I helped with the clearing up by sniffing out and eating all of the crumbs off the floor. I will post a couple of pictures for you to have a look at as soon as they are developed . Unfortunately I wasn't able to stay until the end of the party as I had to go back to Birmingham with Maggie as she had a store collection booked.

By the way, Maggie was working very hard over the weekend - but I will write about it tomorrow because now I feel sleepy after my long walk in the park...... - Love Ingmar

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Easter Fundraising!

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:07:54 -0700

Maggie and Ingmar want to say a big thank-you for all visitors to Bourneville Garden Centre over the Easter Weekend who helped them to collect £250.00 for Vision Homes Association. Visit their plant centre, (in the heart of the chocolate country) at http://www.thegardencentregroup.co.uk/on/demandware.store/Sites-Wyevale-Site/default/Stores-StoreDetails?storeID=Bournville

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Special Note from Ingmar - the special four-legged friend!

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 02:25:39 -0700

Hi everyone!!!

First of all, let me introduce myself. My name is Ingmar and I am a seven years old golden Labrador (with attitude!). I believe myself to be a very well travelled, knowledgeable and adventurous dog. I am what my human friends call "a real character" but I'm just being myself - a super cool and clever dude that everyone loves!

I have decided to take over this blog. Being the most nosy and, naturally, the most popular one at Vision Homes (VHA) I am the best source of information there. Everyone tells me what's on their mind, but I know when to be discreet!

I was born and trained to work as a guide dog in the United States. Then I was introduced to Maggie (my blind Person) and we moved to her country of origin, Poland, where we studied psychology. Finally, two years ago we moved to England. You must think that I have a built in Sat-Nav system to be able to find my way about all these different places, but I just love discovering and meeting new people.

As well as helping Maggie to work as an assistant psychologist for the NHS, I also do some voluntary work for Vision Homes Association. Maggie and I worked there on a placement when we first came to the UK and we made a lot of good friends throughout the organisation.

There is another reason why I wanted to do this blog, to let people know more about the people Vision Homes Association support - I feel privileged to be able to tell you about things that are important to them. You can also find out more about them on their website www.visionhomes.org.uk

When I'm not working I love to eat and go for long runs in the park - well I have to keep myself looking good at all times - you never know who you are going to meet!

I have to go now because Maggie is coming back into the room. She does not like me using her computer because she says that I drool all over it (especially when looking at pictures of juicy bones) but I will get in touch with you very soon.

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Vision Homes Bingo Night - Wednesday 13th April 2011

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 02:05:00 -0700

Many thanks to all who helped to make last night's bingo event at British Legion in Ludlow such a success. Vision Homes raised about £250.00.

A big thank you also to Jan who helped organise it.

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Welcome to Vision Homes Association's blog

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 09:57:00 -0700

Vision Homes Association is a charity that supports adults with multiple disabilities including visual impairment. The aim of this blog is to raise public awareness of our work.

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