18-year-old Brandon Joy is legally blind due to a rare condition called retinitis pigmentosa. The Newfoundland and Labrador resident was searching for a guide dog to make life a little easier as he entered college. However, service dogs can be pricey, so he wasn’t sure how he’d ever afford one.
Luckily, a group of dedicated volunteers called Wheels for Wishes came together to help Joy achieve his goals. They organized a fundraising event full of classic cars to raise money for a service dog. Their generosity is about to change this young man’s life!
A Group Of Generous Drivers
Wheels for Wishes is an organization in Canada that raises funds for kids in need of service dogs. The volunteers work with the CNIB Guide Dog program to provide these life-changing canines. They bring in enough donations by hosting one-of-a-kind car shows in the area.
While Joy isn’t technically a kid, he still needs all the help he can get. The 18-year-old recently graduated high school and has dreams of studying to be a science teacher once college starts. Yet, he only has seven percent of his vision, making his dreams seem harder to achieve. He was deemed legally blind in 8th grade when he lost his night vision and most of his peripheral vision.
But with a service dog, life will become much easier for Joy. That’s why volunteers are so passionate about helping him thrive.
“If I get a guide dog, it’s going to make my life a lot easier,” said Joy. “My shins will be a lot safer. I’ll just be a lot safer in general.”
Hope for the Future
All types of cars, bikes, and other vehicles came together for this fundraiser. They hosted an automobile parade, showing off many beautiful, classic cars. They had a goal of $50,000, which they just about reached after this incredible event. The funds would cover everything for Joy’s service dog, including basic care, advanced training, and medical needs.
“It means a lot. There’s a lot of great people here to support me, and I’m really happy that I’m able to get such an amazing group of people to help me out and fundraise money for my dog,” said Joy.
Every cent counts for fundraisers like this. Once Wheels for Wishes reaches the goal, they can still use any extra cash to help the next kid in need. We look forward to seeing the happiness in Joy’s face when he finally gets a guide dog to help him follow his dreams!
For more information about Wheels of Wishes’ events, you can check out their Facebook group.
H/T: cbc.ca
Featured Image: Wheels for Wishes Facebook group
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