The Tuggerah Tuffs celebrated the 40th birthday of the Guide Dogs Central Coast Volunteer Support Group by handing over a cheque for $3,000.
The Central Coast support group was formed in 1983 at an afternoon tea organised by the Guide Dog’s head office at the Long Jetty RSL Club.
Over the ensuing years volunteers have been active in fundraising in the surrounding areas 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 a year at shopping centres across the Central Coast.
Members are freely available to share their experiences with visitors and discuss how Guide Dogs provide free services to help people with impaired vision.
The Tuggerah Tuffs Winter Swimming Club competes at The Entrance Ocean Baths every Sunday from May to September and has more than 80 members ranging in age from 8 to 90.
The club was formed by members of the local surf clubs and became officially affiliated with the NSW Winter Swimming Association on May 25,1967.
“Tuggerah Tuffs have been supporting Guide Dogs for many years and this year’s donation of $3,000 brings the total contribution to close to $70,000,” Patron Emma McBride said.
Angela Allen and her guide dog Piper accepted the cheque on Sunday, July 23, at The Entrance pool, prior to the Tuggerah Tuffs members entering the very chilli water for their morning swim.
She expressed gratitude to the Guide Dogs Central Coast Support Groups’ continued support and said she hoped it would continue for many more years to come.
Tuggerah Tuffs raise money by “dobbing in” their mates who have to add money to a “swear jar” for misdemeanours throughout the year.
Source:
Guide Dogs Central Coast Volunteer Support Group