Wear Your Shades Day is more than just a fundraiser. It’s a movement of solidarity. By purchasing a R20 sticker and wearing your favourite sunglasses, you help create a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, can experience freedom and independence.

“Every year, our mission is to transform the lives of approximately 800 individuals through the provision of Assistance Dogs and long-cane training,” says Pieter van Niekerk, spokesperson for the SA Guide-Dogs Association.

Van Niekerk, who is visually impaired and a proud Guide Dog owner himself, adds: “Wear Your Shades Day is a fun and powerful way for the public to take part in making a tangible difference for people living with disabilities.”

How to get involved:

• Purchase a R20 sticker.

• Online: Buy your digital sticker via the SA Guide-Dogs website.

• By Phone: Contact the Johannesburg offices to order stickers. Collect them in person or have them delivered.

• At Stores: Stickers are available at participating retailers, including Pick n Pay (selected stores), SPAR (selected stores), Falco Milano, Big Blue, Pet World, and BUCO Hardware.

• Wear your shades: On October 17, put on your coolest sunglasses and your sticker to show your support and raise awareness about visual impairment and eye health.

Funds raised from Wear Your Shades Day directly support the association’s programmes, including the breeding, raising, and training of assistance dogs for the visually impaired, people with physical disabilities, and children on the autism spectrum, as well as providing essential orientation and mobility services.

On Wear Your Shades Day, participants are encouraged to tag @sa_guide_dogs on social media while wearing their shades and sticker, and to use the hashtag #shadesday for a chance to win exciting prizes.

For more information or to get involved, visit www.guidedog.org.za or email [email protected]