Ettalong Bowling Club will host an open day on Sunday, May 7, from 9am to raise funds for Guide Dogs Australia with all players and visitors welcome.
There will be Guide Dogs merchandise on sale, an auction and a raffle with a number of donated prizes on the day.
The fundraiser follows International Guide Dog Day, on Wednesday April 26 – a day to celebrate the important role Guide Dogs play in supporting people all around the world with low vision or blindness to achieve their goals and live independently.
This year Guide Dogs Australia will shine a light on the humans behind the amazing dogs, with its Talk to the Handler campaign seeing Guide Dog Handlers share their thoughts on a wide variety of topics important to them, speak out about issues and challenges, and answer questions you’ve always wanted to know but felt you couldn’t ask.
Handlers from the Central Coast Volunteer Support Group will be on hand on May 7 at the Ettalong Bowlo.
The support group was formed in 1983 and is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
Spokesperson Lynne Lillico said the group has been active in fundraising from The Entrance to the Peninsula.
“The group continues to be visual and out and about in the community, managing a number of fundraising stalls each year at shopping centres across the Central Coast selling merchandise,” she said.
“(Members) will be available to share their experiences with visitors and discuss how Guide Dogs provides services to help people with low vision and blindness.”
Support group President Merran Rudder said the cost of breeding, training and raising each guide dog is $50,000.
“Every dollar from the community counts as Guide Dogs NSW/ACT only receives minimal government funding,” she said.
“We appreciate the Central Coast community who continue to visit our stalls and the support given to us by Central Coast shopping centres which provide space for our fundraising stalls.
“We are a small group of highly dedicated people who are passionate about the work that Guide Dogs NSW/ACT undertakes and we look forward to meeting visitors and members at the Charity Bowls Day at Ettalong Bowling Club.”
For more information, visit www.guidedogs.com.au.
Source:
Central Coast Support Group, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT