Coles has launched a new national fundraising campaign to support Guide Dogs, aiding Australians living with low vision or blindness.
Until Tuesday, May 21, Coles will donate 5 cents to Guide Dogs for every dog food product purchased in-store and online (excluding pet accessories and treatments, with a maximum donation of $300,000).
The funds raised will support Guide Dogs in breeding, raising, and training guide dogs across Australia, like Isla, who assists 21-year-old Karlee from Shoalhaven, New South Wales.
Karlee, born legally blind, shared that having Guide Dog Isla by her side has granted her freedom and independence. “Before receiving my Guide Dog, my independence was limited, and I felt extremely restricted and isolated. My world was getting darker and really felt like it was shrinking. Even leaving my house independently was a challenge and filled me with fear and anxiety,” she said.
“When I got my first Guide Dog Olympia, I experienced freedom for the first time. Olympia has since retired, and last July I was matched up with Isla, who allows me to leave my house with confidence and has truly opened up my world. The bond I share with Isla is so special and like no other. We trust each other immensely and have a deep level of communication, which allows us to work together as a team. Isla has given me the gift of independence, freedom, and constant companionship, for which I am forever grateful.”
Karlee added, “Due to my lifestyle, I required a very confident and adaptable dog who could work well in a range of dynamic environments. Personality was another big factor in matching. Both me and Isla have very similar personalities. We thrive on being active and love exploring new places.”
In addition to buying a participating dog food product at Coles during the campaign, customers can also support Guide Dogs by ‘feeding’ a Donation Dog with loose change at Coles supermarkets or selected Liquorland and First Choice Liquor Market stores year-round.
Katie Wyatt, Coles Group Head of Culture & Inclusion, expressed delight in expanding support for Guide Dogs through this fundraiser. “Coles is always looking for ways to make the shopping experience—both in-store and online—more accessible and inclusive. We are proud of our long-running partnership with Guide Dogs to improve access for Australians living with low vision or blindness,” she said.
Together with our customers, Coles has already raised more than $14 million over 40 years through initiatives such as Donation Dogs at our supermarkets and liquor stores. We hope this new campaign will raise further funds and awareness for Guide Dogs.
Dr. Russell Harrison, Guide Dogs GM Dog and Vision Services, stated that the funds raised will enable Guide Dogs to provide not only guide dogs but also a range of other inclusive services. “Creating a world that is accessible and inclusive for people with low vision or blindness is only possible with support from organizations like Coles,” he said.
Coles team members and their customers already show their kindness by ‘feeding’ our Donation Dogs. This campaign will help continue funding the breeding, raising, and training of guide dogs, as well as a multitude of other essential services. Our thanks go to the team at Coles and their customers, whose generous support is changing lives.
Guide Dogs trainer Chelsea with puppies in training Fergie and Idle
