The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind is holding a one day national fundraising campaign.

Guide Dog Day, which was launched by An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar last month, is taking place across the country on Friday.

It hopes to change the lives of those who are vision impaired, or the families of children with autism.

Guide Dog Day is focusing on the organisation's clients, their families and volunteers sharing stories about the difference Guide and Assistance Dogs have had in their lives and community.

Irish Guide Dog for the Blind volunteers Sandra Blackwell from Rathfarnham with Irish Guide Dog ambassador Gilly on Grafton Street, Dublin | Image: Conor McCabe Photography

Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind have said it costs over €5m a year to provide its services.

More than 80% of income comes from fundraising and voluntary donations.

The cost of each guide dog partnership - for breeding, training and maintenance - is almost €53,000.

Irish Guide Dog for the Blind volunteers Cliodhna Ni Laoghaire from Blackpool, Co Cork with puppy in training Guide Dog Yoko on O'Connell Street, Dublin | Image: Conor McCabe Photography

Patrick Burke is chairman of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.

He said: "Guide Dog Day will enable us to raise much needed funds and is a day to celebrate the difference our dogs make to those who are vision impaired and the families of children with autism who can lead independent lives.

"Our network of branches, clients, volunteers, puppy raisers and corporate supporters will be out in force across the country doing street collections, coffee mornings and various other fundraising activities."

A list of collection locations can be found here - or people can donate online.

Main image: Irish Guide Dog for the Blind volunteer Karen McHale from Santry with puppy in training Guide Dog Yoko on Henry Street, Dublin | Image: Conor McCabe Photography