In Bathgate, West Lothian, the youngsters of Rainbow Nursery recently took to Balbardie Park for a heart-warming sponsored walk, raising over £1,000 to support the Guide Dogs charity.
Equipped with wellies and eager smiles, the children joyfully jumped through muddy puddles, joined by volunteers and several friendly guide dogs, making the day memorable and meaningful. The event reflects Rainbow Nursery’s commitment to fostering a spirit of compassion and community awareness in children from an early age.
Making a Difference with Every Step
The partnership with Guide Dogs holds significance far beyond fundraising. Chris Collier, a volunteer with Guide Dogs, shared how crucial events like these are for creating awareness about sight loss within communities. “The charity is here to help people with sight loss live the life they choose,” Collier explained. “From our educational visits to providing resources, this nursery has been essential in starting important conversations on sight loss, helping children grow into compassionate members of society.”
Encouraging Inclusivity
Through their active support, children at Rainbow Nursery learn firsthand the value of empathy and community engagement. The funds raised will help provide guide dogs to those with visual impairments, allowing individuals greater independence. Parents, staff, and volunteers have praised the nursery for inspiring young children to think beyond themselves, encouraging them to understand the challenges others face and their power to help.
Expanding Community Impact
Rainbow Nursery’s Assistant Manager, Karen Kirkwood, was thrilled by the community turnout and the generosity shown. “A huge thank you to everyone who supported our sponsored walk,” she said, “We initially set a target of £1,000, but it looks like we’re going to exceed it with donations still coming in.” The success of the event has sparked ideas for future community initiatives, as the nursery hopes to establish a tradition of support for Guide Dogs and other local charities.
“Those little steps will really make a big impact in supporting Guide Dogs to help people with sight loss now and in the future.” — Chris Collier, Guide Dogs Volunteer
By bringing young children into charitable activities, Rainbow Nursery sets a wonderful example of early learning centres that prioritise kindness, inclusion, and active engagement. This initiative shows that even small steps—like a muddy walk in the park—can have a big impact, fostering lifelong values and supporting life-changing services for those in need.