We don't usually post this kind of sugary charitable plea, but, what with Christmas coming, good will to all men etc, when we received this call to action from the CEO of Guide Dogs for the Blind we felt moved to let them communicate with BlindKiss readers.

Dear Friends,

I had been hoping to give you this news in the latest edition of our magazine Forward but because of a mix up in our editorial team it was unfortunately left out. I am therefore using BlindKiss.com to let you know about this year’s Christmas fundraising plans and sincerely hope that Dana and Liam’s mum and dad (that's GDBA speak for Sara and Damon respectively, in case you were wondering - Ed) won't mind.

As I’m sure you are all aware, fundraising is a crucial part of GDBA’s strategy enabling us to support existing and future guide dog owners (GDOs). The money we raise also enables us to provide mobility training and important support to non-GDOs. As this year’s festive season rapidly approaches, GDBA has come up with a way to raise money which we think will interest all guide dog owners and more importantly be hugely enjoyable as well.

On your trips into town to buy all those Christmas cards and presents with your canine companion, you will have heard the sound of small children filling the air with their wonderful carol singing. You may even have bumped into a group of handbell ringers in your local precinct performing traditional favourites like Away In A Manger and Once In Royal David City. Well, GDBA has come up with a way you and your patient pooch can get in on the act during the festive season.

We are assembling a group of guide dogs and owners for a carol barking performance in London’s Oxford Street a few days before Christmas. Like the sound of one handbell, the bark of each dog is unique in pitch and tone and, Like a handbell in an ensemble, the bark of one dog can be used to create sweet and harmonious music.

Encouraging your dog to woof at the appropriate moment is not as tricky as you might think. GDBA has developed a device for each member of the group that ensures each dog barks on cue. A loop of wire, which fits neatly around the dogs’ tail, is connected to an electrical unit held by the owner. Each unit is in the shape of a labrador and has a button on it which, when pressed, sends a short sharp shock of ten volts through the wire linked to your fluffy faithful friend at the other end causing him to woof immediately. GDBA has tested these devices extensively and as the association’s CEO I can give you my personal assurance that the device is completely safe and after the initial shock has passed, your dog will get used to the feeling very quickly.

We are interested in hearing from all GDOs who would like to get involved, and are very interested in anyone with a dog who barks an f-sharp, second octave b-flat and if anyone has a dog who can bark a middle-c I would urge you to get along to your nearest rehearsal as soon as possible.

We are holding regional rehearsals throughout the country for the Oxford Street performance so if you are interested, please contact your local centre for details.

I look forward to seeing you all at what promises to be a night of festive fundraising fun and frolics.

Love Geraldine