'Collection dog' to raise money for Guide Dogs

A model of a Guide Dog used for donation collections has been installed at Ettalong.

The "collection dog" has been placed at the entrance to the Ettalong Diggers Club, so that visitors can make donations to the Central Coast Support Group of the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT. It will be known as Little Digger.

Ettalong Diggers Club chairman Mr John Wood said he was delighted to take delivery of Little Digger from Pearl Beach resident Mr Dale Cleaver, who is Guide Dogs NSW-ACT chief executive.

Mr Cleaver presented the collection dog on behalf of the Central Coast Volunteer Support Group which has been active since 1982.

Mr Wood presented a $350 cheque from recent funding raising for Guide Dogs.

"The Central Coast Volunteer Group manages a number of fundraising stalls at shopping centres selling merchandise and providing information on how guide dogs provide services at no cost to people who are blind or have low vision," Mr Cleaver said.

"To breed, train and raise one guide dog costs more than $50,000 a year and every dollar from the community counts as Guide Dogs NSW-ACT only receives minimal government funding."

Current activities currently being undertaken include puppy raising, guide dog training, and programs such as Pets As Therapy and White Cane Mobility.

"The local community is extremely generous donating to iconic guide dog collection dogs like Little Digger and others are situated in shops and other clubs across the Coast," Mr Cleaver said.

SOURCE

Media release, 21 Jul 2020

Lynne Lillico, Guide Dogs NSW-ACT Central Coast Support Group