WA SHOPPERS HELP RASE $10 MILLION FOR GUIDE DOGS AUSTRALIA
Source: PerthNow (Extract)
Posted: October 8, 2020
WEST Aussies have donated more than $854,000 in loose change since 1982 to help Coles reach a $10 million fundraising milestone for Guide Dogs Australia.
Guide Dogs WA fundraising manager Carol Morfitt said she was overwhelmed by the support of shoppers via coin collection dogs in the supermarkets.
“Thanks to the generosity of Coles customers and team members, we have been able to provide many Western Australians who are living with low vision or blindness with a Guide Dog,” she said.
“Guide Dogs change lives and I am so proud of our community for their vital contribution.
“We’re so happy that our iconic coin collection dogs have found a loving home at Coles and we really feel like they are part of the supermarket’s family.”
Funds raised through more than 800 collection dogs across Australia help support the breeding, raising and training of Guide Dogs for people with low vision and blindness, including Perth resident Edwina.
A retired nurse, Edwina has no peripheral vision and lost the sight in her left eye after surgery to treat a detached retina.
She has multiple health issues and was struggling to maintain her independence until she was matched to Guide Dog Bella last year.
“With Bella by my side, I feel so much more comfortable going for walks,” she said.
“I feel safer and she is a wonderful companion. You are never alone when you have a Guide Dog.”
Bella’s two-year training journey was made possible through funds raised in WA stores.
Bella has enabled Edwina to regain her independence and enjoy a busy retirement, including undertaking volunteer work at an aged care facility.
Coles state general manager Pat Zanetti said Coles was delighted to have raised more than $10 million for Guide Dogs Australia.
“Everyone at Coles is extremely proud of our long-standing partnership with Guide Dogs Australia and we can’t thank our customers enough for helping us to reach this historic milestone,” he said.
“The coin collection dogs are incredibly popular with shoppers all across Australia and especially here in WA.
“They’re even treated like team members and are given names and dressed up for special occasions.”
Coles has also donated more than $1 million to the charity from the sales of specially-marked Coles reusable community bags.