QBE Foundation’s $10,000 Christmas boost to puppy raising program
19 December, 2011
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has received a welcome Christmas gift for its pupp
y raising program with QBE Foundation awarding the organisation $10,000 as part of its Local Grant initiative.
To say thank you for its generous donation, Wyman, a black guide dog puppy, visited the Sydney QBE offices on behalf of Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
The $10,000 grant will go towards the $30,000 required to raise and train a guide dog.
"Wyman entertained us all and it was fantastic to see the money we are donating will be used to set a puppy like him on the path to becoming a responsible Guide Dog," said Penny Wallace, the QBE employee who registered for the grant, and who is pictured with colleague Catherine Dearnley and Wyman the guide dog puppy.
The visit from Wyman is an example of how a company can benefit from sponsoring a guide dog puppy. Along with lots of cuddles, companies that choose to sponsor a puppy are given naming rights and the opportunity to watch the guide dog graduate.
Puppy sponsorship is a chance for companies to see first hand the real life benefit of their donation. Once graduated, the guide dog is matched to a person with impaired vision to enhance their freedom and independence.
Alex Green, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Fundraising Manager, said puppy sponsorship not only assists the charity, but it also has great benefits for the sponsor company.
"The sponsorship is a two way relationship," said Mr Green.
"The support ensures we can continue to deliver our services free of charge, while the sponsor company and its staff are given the chance to be a vital part of developing a playful puppy into a fully trained guide dog
"The most rewarding part of sponsoring a puppy is seeing the progression. From playing with the puppy at six weeks, to watching it graduate and be matched with a person who is vision impaired.
"Staff can feel a sense of achievement knowing they have made a real difference to someone's life."
Donations from the public, including companies like QBE Foundation, allow Guide Dogs NSW/ACT to continue to provide its services free of charge to help enhance the independence of people with vision impairment.
Employees can also contribute with a one-off donation; as little as $15 will buy a water bowl for a pup, or $80 will provide a necessary vet check.
For more information about Guide Dogs NSW/ACT call 02 9412 9300.
ENDS
Media: Please contact Sally Edgar, on 0413 753 241 or media@guidedogs.com.au