Guide Dogs Visits Corpus Christi Bike Fest

IAM members, left to right, Adam Beasley of Local 2003, Chub McCrory of Local 2341, Sylvia Zavala of Local 2916, Southern Territory Grand Lodge Representative Tony Blevins, Teresa Blevins of Local 2003, Southern Territory Grand Lodge Representative Ramon Garcia, Garcia’s wife Millie Garcia, and guide dog Liberty participate in the Corpus Christi Bike Fest in Corpus Christi, TX, on behalf of Guide Dogs of America.

In a new video produced by the Machinists News Network, Guide Dogs of America (GDA) roars into the Corpus Christi Bike Fest in Corpus Christi, TX.

IAM participants say the annual fundraising event was an opportunity to educate the public on Guide Dogs, as well as on the labor movement.

“Everyone stops to pet the dog, but then they ask questions,” said Southern Territory Grand Lodge Representative Ramon Garcia. “A lot of people don’t know that this started with the Machinists – a Machinist Union member started the Guide Dogs. So we are very proud to educate the public on not only is this a great charity, but it was started by the labor force.”

IAM Local Lodge 2003 member Teresa Blevins, with her guide dog Liberty by her side, was on hand sharing her story with Bike Fest visitors.

“It was just amazing that here I was, doing the fundraising for GDA and all of a sudden, I lost my sight and was a recipient,” said Blevins, who says getting Liberty was a life-changing event. “She just leads and guides me in such a safe manner it’s just unreal. She finds empty seats in a crowded room. Stops at every doorway. Finds elevators and buttons.”

“It’s awesome to be a member of the Machinists Union and have the opportunity to share a little bit of something that’s different than what the Machinists Union does other than providing jobs and benefits to our membership,” said Adam Beasley of IAM Local Lodge 2003.

Click here to watch “Bike Fest 2013.”

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