Thanks to the Brisbane community’s generous contribution to the Petbarn Foundation’s Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal, Petbarn has raised an incredible $775,000 in July.
A record amount in the appeal’s seventh year – surpassed its $500,000 fundraising target by $275,000 – and since 2014 has now been able to train 85 Seeing Eye Dogs and change 85 Australian lives for the better.
Local Brisbane customers helped Petbarn Woolloongabba raise more than $1075 towards the annual appeal that will help cover the costs of breeding, training and caring for Seeing Eye Dogs.Thanks to the local community, 15 Seeing Eye Dogs puppies will be able to commence their two-year training process and enable Australians who are blind or have low vision to have greater independence, with the best of companions by their side.
Petbarn Woolloongabba Store Manager Carmila Filege said, “We are extremely grateful to everybody that donated what they could to this great cause. We know 2020 has been a challenging year for so many people, yet our customers continue to amaze us with their generosity. The money raised will go towards helping Australians who are blind or have low vision retain their independence and mobility. Thanks to our local Brisbane customers, 15 Seeing Eye Dogs puppies will be trained to provide companionship and special assistance to people who need it most.”
Royal Canin, one of the Petbarn Foundation’s key partners, also donated $50,000 towards the fundraiser while Vision Australia’s inaugural Seeing Eye Dogs Puppy Games helped raise awareness and donations for the cause too. The Puppy Games saw four pups go tail-to-tail to showcase their skills and the real-life challenges they may face as Seeing Eye Dogs.
Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs General Manager Graeme Craig said, “Our partnership with the Petbarn Foundation is integral to raising funds so that even more Seeing Eye Dogs pups can complete the extensive training they require.“We’re overwhelmed with how much has been raised for this year’s appeal. Through the amazing efforts of Petbarn/City Farmers customers, we can continue to support even more Australians who are blind or have low vision.
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