News

Julie and Sammy light up Lismore.

For people with low vision or blindness, getting involved in major community events can sometimes require extra self-advocacy and determination. Guide Dogs Client, Julie has been doing just that by participating in the annual Lismore Lantern Parade in northern NSW. This time around, she participated with a light-up Guide Dog, Sammy. Sammy is a large, glowing lantern shaped like a Labrador with wheels on the bottom.  

“I ran with the Olympic torch,” Julie explained. “And it was like just that. Everyone was cheering and waving.” 

The Lismore Lantern Parade happens around the winter solstice. The town closes its streets to a cavalcade of lanterns made from paper, poised on bamboo frames and lit from within by LED lights. Julie has been volunteering by making lanterns and walking in the parade for a few years now. 

To participate in the parade this year, Julie attached a torch to her long cane and decorated it by winding fairy lights around the pole. Julie said she’s gained immense confidence the more she’s walked in the parade.  

“The first time, I was just moving my feet forward surrounded by people, trusting that the people in front of me were guiding me right,” she said. 

Julie is proud of her work on her paper lantern Guide Dog, Sammy (short for Samantha), and loves having the opportunity to increase awareness about people with blindness or low vision in the community.  

“I’m involved in the lantern making and educating people at the workshop. It’s a way of raising awareness about blindness and low vision,” Julie said. 

Julie will continue participating in the parade, and we can’t wait to find out what she has in store for next year!