 |
 |
 |
 |
Click here for Printable Donation Form
to mail to us with your check or credit card details. V.I.P. - Vision, Independence and Partnership Mission: To provide high quality, safe, independent mobility for blind Israelis. Request for Assistance: The cost of each Partnership of a blind Israeli and guide dog is approximately $25,000, but there is no charge to the blind person for the guide dog, instruction in its use or for aftercare for the duration of the partnership. Support of this vital and humanitarian work will help blind Israelis to live more independent and productive lives. Gifts are respectfully requested from Individuals, Foundations and Organizations - and bequests to the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg and Lady Elizabeth Kaye Endowment Fund for the Israel Guide Dog Center are encouraged to provide for the continuity of the center. Primary Activity: The primary activity of the staff is the training of guide dogs, the instruction of blind Israelis in their effective use and providing aftercare for the duration of each Partnership - usually eight to ten years. In addition, the public is educated on the importance of a guide dog in providing self-respect, independence and mobility. Population served: There are over 20,000 registered blind or severely visually impaired people in Israel of whom about 200 have guide dogs - the others rely on a white cane or a family member for assistance. Any blind Israeli may apply to the center for a guide dog. Why it is so important: Before the center was established, the only way for blind Israelis to receive a guide dog was to attend classes in one of the training centers in the U.S. Only those with a fluent command of English and able to leave their families behind for a month could take advantage of this opportunity. Even the lucky ones who received a guide dog from overseas found that if a problem arose later on, there was no one to provide the necessary follow-up or aftercare so vital to a successful Partnership. Advantages of guide dog training in Israel: Blind Israelis are offered an opportunity to receive their instruction in Israel without the need to travel abroad for lengthy, often stressful periods. Guide dogs are trained to respond to commands in Hebrew and all classes are in Hebrew to make it easier to cope with the instruction. The dogs are trained to maneuver around typical Israeli obstacles such as bus stands, electric poles in the middle of sidewalks, concrete barriers at street corners, and vehicles parked on sidewalks. Whether it's a simple problem or an emergency, our staff is on call to assist all of our graduates. Progress: Guide dog training began in Israel on January 1, 1991, just before the Gulf War. During the first year, two Partnerships were completed. Currently, 25 to 30 Partnerships are graduated annually. Non-Profit Status: The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind is tax exempt in Israel, the U.S. and the United Kingdom. Click here for Printable Donation Form to mail to us with your check or credit card details. Israel - Tax Exempt # 58-016-896-1 United States - Tax Exempt # 23-2519029 United Kingdom - Tax Exempt # 1027996 Canada - Tax Exempt # 149(1)(f)#: 87051 7703 RR0001 P.E.F. -- Israel Endowment Fund Approved IGDCB The Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind is approved to receive
funds from the P.E.F., a tax exempt public charity whose principal
founder was Justice Louis D. Brandeis. P.E.F., at one time known
as the Palestine Endowment Fund, has sent over 200 million dollars
to Israel for the support and relief of Israelis since 1922. However,
our donors may continue to make their gifts directly to the Israel
Guide Dog Center for the Blind as we are also a tax-exempt organization.
Any gifts made to the P.E.F. on our behalf must be designated for
the general support of the Israel Guide Dog Center for the Blind.
Contributions of at least $25 may be sent to P.E.F. Israel Endowment
Funds, Inc., 317 Madison Avenue, Suite 607, New York, NY 10017 specifying
our full and exact name as recipient.
|
)
)
