Guide Dogs Victoria invites students and schools across the state to raise money for people with low vision or blindness through their new campaign, Puppy Pledge.
The seven-week campaign encourages schools, teachers, parents, and even students from non-participating schools to join a fundraising competition with unique prize.
“The winner of the competition overall gets the opportunity to name an entire litter of guide dog puppies, which will go on to be people’s future guide dogs,” said Kyra Tsitsinaris, who works at a PR agency for Guide Dogs Victoria, to Neos Kosmos.
Tsitsinaris explained that people can raise money by holding events like “bake sales, casual clothes sales, or anything like that.”
Since 1957, Guide Dogs Victoria (GDV) a member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), provides support and training to people with low vision or blindness.
The organisation offers services beyond just dogs including community initiatives, and training and education programs. Tsitsinaris said all funds of the campaign will “go to Guide Dogs Victoria, and while the top fundraisers will get to name the puppies, there will also be second and third prizes available.
“The Puppy Pledge is a fantastic opportunity for students to engage in community service and support individuals with low vision or blindness, while having fun! We are excited to see the creative fundraising ideas that students will come up with and the positive impact they will make,” said Nicky Long, CEO of Guide Dogs Victoria, in a media release shared with Neos Kosmos.
Lauren Phillips, the new Guide Dogs Victoria Ambassador, also shared her excitement about the campaign: “I am incredibly proud to support this initiative – it’s inspiring to see young people come together to make a difference in their community, and I encourage all schools to get involved in raising funds for Guide Dogs Victoria.”
The competition ends on Friday, September 6th, with a special Award Ceremony at the new Guide Dogs Victoria campus in Kew.
Those interested can register here.
