SA Guide-Dogs celebrates 70th anniversary with fundraising campaign

The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind is marking its 70th anniversary with a fundraising campaign called 70 Days of Giving for SA Guide-Dogs. The goal of the campaign, which runs from May 9 to July 18, is to raise R700 000 in donations. The association is asking for support from individuals, families, colleagues, and friends to help them achieve their fundraising target.

Due to increasing costs, including fuel, medication, and building maintenance, the association has had to invest more resources in keeping the assistance dogs-in-training healthy and comfortable. For instance, the puppy block and kennel facilities need to remain operational during load-shedding, which has led to higher diesel expenses for their generator.

The orientation and mobility department also requires extra funds for traveling to assist people with visual impairments in different communities in South Africa.
The public can get involved by organising fun and engaging fundraising activities for the association over the 70-day period. Some ideas include hosting walk-a-thons, dance-a-thons, or fun-runs, organising blindfolded activities or walks, holding lucky draws, setting personal sporting goals, and hosting casual or dress-up days.

Nicole Barros, the regional marketing manager for SA Guide-Dogs, encourages people to think outside the box when it comes to fundraising activities, as the possibilities are endless.

In return, the association can offer several incentives, including a visit from their assistance dogs-in-training to your school, business, or fundraising event, a certificate of participation in the campaign, a thank-you video from puppies in their puppy block or dogs in training, and social media exposure for your fundraiser.The South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind is the only accredited association in the country that can train guide, service, and autism support dogs. As a registered non-profit organisation and PBO, the association relies on the generosity of the public for donations, and they can issue 18A Tax Certificates for donations. Additionally, with Level 1 BBBEE accreditation, SA Guide-Dogs Association is an ideal partner for CSI projects.Visit guidedog.org.za and click FUNDRAISE or email NicoleB@guidedog.org.za to learn more about how to get involved in the campaign.