Mission: The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc. is dedicated to promoting increased independence to men and women who are blind by providing them with the highest quality German shepherd guide dogs.
Background: When Charlie Kaman, founder of the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and Kaman Aerospace, developed that mission statement, he had long since made his dream of bringing freedom and independence to people with visual disabilities a reality. Beginning in the Kaman’s backyard in 1960 as the Fidelity Breeders’ Cooperative, the couple’s love and respect for German shepherds would grow into a passion to serve people with visual impairments. In 1962, the cooperative became a nonprofit organization and was renamed the Fidelco Breeder’s Foundation. In 1981, the organization changed again to become the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation and began placing its dogs throughout New England.
Today, Fidelco is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation and a recognized leader in the guide dog industry. It has placed more than 1,100 superbly trained German shepherds throughout the U.S. and Canada and its clients run the gamut; from business people, to college students and neighbors who live down the street. And in every case, their Fidelco guide dogs are with them every step of the way.
Volunteer Needs: Fidelco cannot exist without our incredible volunteers. From those who maintain our kennels, to the people who help plan and execute our fundraising events, to the foster families who raise and socialize our puppies, we treasure each and every interaction with these volunteers who are the heart of our organization. To receive a volunteer application, send an e-mail to info@fidelco.org or call (860) 243-5200.
Major Fundraiser: The Annual Walk for Fidelco takes place on May 16, 2009 at Manchester Community College. For more information, visit www.walkforfidelco.org or contact Jan Adams at jadams@fidelco.org or (860) 243-4801.
Leadership: George J. Salpietro, executive director
Roberta C. Kaman, co-founder
Eliot D. Russman, vice chairman, board of directors
Name of Organization: The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc.
Address: 103 Old Iron Ore Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
Web site: www.fidelco.org
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George J. Salpietro is executive director of The Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation.
