The Petbarn Foundation and Vision Australia have thanked the community for supporting this year’s Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal.
The appeal, which was held in July, raised $851,153 for Vision Australia.
Petbarn stores across Melbourne’s north and west raised a total of almost $20,000 for the appeal.
Customers at the Hoppers Crossing Petbarn store were among the most generous, donating $4242 to the cause.
Customers at the Maribyrnong store donated $2402 and South Morang store visitors donated store $2319.
Petbarn in Coburg collected $2361, the Caroline Springs store raised $2195, the Watergardens store $1714 and the Thomastown store $1692.
It costs more than $50,000 to train a Seeing Eye Dog puppy across two years.
Petbarn Foundation manager Janelle Bloxsom said that despite COVID-19 lockdowns which limited access to Petbarn stores in July, customers still helped to raise enough money to go towards breeding, training, and caring for 17 new Seeing Eye Dog puppies.
“This is a true testament to the incredible generosity of the community, and we are so grateful to everyone who donated despite the challenges we are facing as a nation,” Ms Bloxsom said.
Vision Australia Seeing Eye Dogs general manager, Graeme Craig says, said the charity has been “overwhelmed” by the generosity of Petbarn customers.
“The support of the Petbarn Foundation is integral to providing Seeing Eye Dogs to those who need them,” he said.
“The appeal ensures our Seeing Eye Dogs pups can complete the extensive training they require.”
Details: petbarn.com.au/seda
