Our sponsored guide dog, Rivo, visited Aurivo House on Tuesday 27th September when we presented a donation cheque of €40,000 to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind as part of our Charity of the Year Partnership Programme.

Over the past year, the Aurivo community - which includes brands such as Homeland, Nutrias Animal Feeds, Connacht Gold, Donegal Creameries, Oragnic for Us & For Goodness Shakes, has raised much needed funds for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind through the organisation of fundraising events and direct donations. 'Rivo’, a puppy receiving training directly through our sponsorship, will be assigned to an individual who is vision impaired or a family of a child with autism.

Raymond Barlow, Aurivo Chairman said: “Aurivo is proud of The Charity of the Year Partnership Programme with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the positive impact that it will have on our community. The money raised by Aurivo Co-Operative has allowed us to sponsor ‘Rivo’, who will one day provide life-changing support for someone within our community. We look forward to following the vital work of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and the tangible difference that they make by enabling those who are blind or vision impaired or families of children with autism to actively participate in their community.”

Marilyn Phillips, Group Head of Human Resources, Aurivo said: “Supporting our local communities is central to our culture at Aurivo and we’re committed to giving back to the communities in which we operate. The Charity of the Year Programme allows our staff, members, and customers to work alongside one another in the local community to raise vital funds for our charity partners. The introduction of our ‘Helping Days’ initiative has further bolstered the positive impact our team can have in our communities.  We give every employee a paid day off work to give back to their communities either for something of their own choice or taking part in fundraising for our Charity of the Year.  We look forward to following Rivo’s training journey as he prepares to make a difference in the lives of those in need.”

John Burke, Corporate Partnerships Manager, Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, said: “Aurivo Co-operative Society’s support for the last 12 months has been a wonderful initiative. The engagement of all the staff at Aurivo has been truly heart-warming and their sponsorship of their very own Puppy in Training, Rivo, being of course the highlight. We look forward to continuing to update all the team at Aurivo on Rivo’s progress during his formal training period which will begin in the coming weeks at our National Training Centre in Co. Cork. Rivo was delighted to be able to make the trip to meet all the team in Sligo recently. Thanks to everyone for supporting him along his journey to changing the life of someone who is blind or vision impaired or the family of a child with autism.”

Aurivo has donated over €500,000 since it started its Charity of the Year Partnership Programme. 

Thank you and well done to all!