Guide dogs Christmas appeal

There are spare few ways to develop a corporate responsibility program that everyone in an organisation is pleased with, and with so many good causes out there, it’s hard to choose one cause that has universal appeal – enter puppies

BY HCA 22 Nov 2011

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has launched its Christmas appeal to raise $1.4m in much needed support for its puppy breeding program.

The funds will be used to purchase breeding stock, extend its existing guide dog training centre to include a puppy breeding wing, buy puppy play equipment, and to cover associated veterinary costs.

In NSW and the ACT alone, more than 200,000 people are affected by blindness and vision loss, and this figure is expected to increase by a further 100,000 people by 2020, according to Dr Graeme White, CEO Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

However, every year guide dogs help Australians regain their independence by becoming not only a new best friend, but the very livelihood for those affected by vision loss and blindness.

The planned puppy breeding program aims to double the number of guide dogs graduating by 2015, and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT is offering companies a unique staff engagement opportunity through its Christmas fundraising appeal.

By supporting the program:

organisations will be able to share in the journey as puppies become guide dogs
staff will have the opportunity to name a puppy through to an entire puppy litter or colony
staff will receive visits from puppies, and have exclusive tours of the Guide Dogs Centre in North West Sydney
staff will receive invitations to attend guide dog graduations

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT receives no government funding, and rely entirely on the generosity of the public to continue providing vital services to people who are blind or vision impaired.

Fundraising manager Alex Green said, “From naming opportunities to special visits to see new-born puppies progress through to graduation, the donor will be helping to bring independence to more people with impaired vision.”

Green said there are many other ways to support the program,and all donations are gratefully accepted - from $15, which will buy a water bowl, to $80 for a puppy vet check, or $30,000 to sponsor, meet and name a breeding dog and follow its progress.

To support Guide Dogs NSW/ACT’s Christmas Appeal and help the organisation establish its Puppy Breeding Program, call 02 9412 9300 or visitguidedogs.com.au.