Moncton woman getting revved up to compete in ‘Blind Race’ fundraiser

A New Brunswick woman is getting all revved up to hit the track for the biggest race of her life next month.

Moncton’s Natalie Fougere will take part in “The Blind Race” fundraising event for the Mira Foundation, which provides free service dogs for people with varying disabilities in Canada.

“The first time I drove I was like, ‘Oh my goodness!’ I could not believe that I was able to be free and to do something that I never really would have imagined that I would have the chance to do in my life,” said Fourgere who was born legally blind.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The first time I drove I was like, 'Oh my goodness!' I could not believe that I was able to be free and to do something that I never really would have imagined that I would have the chance to do in my life," said Fourgere who was born legally blind.

READ MORE: Nova Scotia introduces law to regulate use, protect rights of service dog users

She says she thought driving a car was never an option for her until five years ago when she got the chance to get behind the wheel, something she’ll never forget.

This year’s race takes place at Shediac’s Centre for Speed on September 17.

“It is always the highlight of my year. I am really looking forward to it,” said Fougere.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It is always the highlight of my year. I am really looking forward to it," said Fougere.

Audrey Sonier with the Mira Foundation says each driver will be guided by a co-driver sitting in the passenger seat calling out driving cues.

“There will be 10 to 12 drivers and they will be racing and there will obviously be a winner at the end of the race,” said Sonier.

Fougere’s good friend Julie Lefrancois will be her eyes on the track.

“It’s all about the confidence you have in your co-pilot,” Fouger said.

READ MORE: ‘He’s my friend,’ says autistic boy at service dog fundraiser

But win or lose, Fougere says it’s the feeling of freedom felt behind the wheel that is her most precious prize.

“To let go just for a few moments just to live the experience fully,” she said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "To let go just for a few moments just to live the experience fully," she said.

The funds raised at the event will be used to pay for the training and placement of service dogs for people with visual impairments, mobility challenges and children with autism.

According to the Mira Foundation website, 400 service dogs have been placed with owners across Canada in partnership with the company.