It’s always hard to resist a pair of puppy dog eyes, but this April, they’re doing more than just melting hearts. Guide Dogs Day is just around the corner, and it’s calling on South Aussies to support some of the country’s hardest-working pups and the vital services they provide to people living with low vision and blindness.
Led by Guide Dogs SA/NT, the annual campaign celebrates the extraordinary impact of Guide Dogs while raising essential funds to train and support them. These specially trained companions provide independence, safety and freedom, empowering people to live confidently and achieve their goals.
The initiative is already underway, with donations matched until Wednesday, April 29th thanks to generous partners including Specsavers, Adelaide Airport and William Buck.
Guide Dogs SA/NT CEO Dan Cox said the organisation hopes to inspire widespread support across the state. “We’d like everyone to get involved – not just dog lovers – and that could mean donating to Guide Dogs SA/NT, buying Guide Dogs products, fundraising as a team, hosting a morning or afternoon tea, organising a group walk with your pet pooch, or donating part proceeds of retail, café or pub sales to Guide Dogs – such as $1 from each coffee or sandwich.”
The public can also get involved through a special telethon that will take place on Guide Dogs Day, with volunteers invited to answer phones and celebrate the difference these remarkable dogs make in people’s lives.
In the lead-up to the big day, Adelaide locals may spot real Guide Dogs and the iconic coin collection dogs sporting bright donation bandanas. Each features a QR code, making it easy to scan and contribute on the go. Merchandise will also be available at the Guide Dogs SA/NT Morphett Street office, Adelaide Airport retail outlets, and various locations across the city.
On April 29th, Adelaide will glow in tribute as some of its most recognisable landmarks light up in orange, including Adelaide Oval, Adelaide Railway Station, Parliament House, Adelaide Town Hall and Adelaide Festival Centre, along with the Riverbank Precinct Pedestrian Bridge.
With it costing more than $50,000 to raise and train a single Guide Dog, every dollar truly counts. Whether it’s a small donation, a fundraiser with friends, or simply scanning a QR code, South Australians are encouraged to look into those puppy eyes and recognise the essential work they represent.
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