Coles Mackay in Queensland has taken out the honours of being Australia’s top fundraising coin Collection Dog in the country.

All coins dropped in the iconic Collection Dogs around the country are used to assist someone with low vision, blindness, or specialised support, with over $800,000 raised for Guide Dogs Australia last financial year.

Ryan Jones, Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, said they’re incredibly grateful that the coin Collection Dogs have found a loving home at Coles.

“It’s been an amazing journey since we introduced the first Collection Dog at Coles 40 years ago to today having raised more than $12 million from over 900 dogs across Australia.

“It’s also a truly special feeling to know that people who have been putting a gold coin in the Collection Dogs since the very beginning have now passed on that tradition to their children and grandchildren. I have done the same with my own little one!”

Coles’ Top Dogs were awarded with their very own rosette and visits from Ambassador Dogs and puppies in training to thank customers and team members.

Sally Fielke, General Manager Corporate and Indigenous Affairs at Coles, said Coles was proud of its long-standing partnership with Guide Dogs Australia.

“We couldn’t have achieved this milestone without the generosity of our customers who have kept our Collection Dogs well fed and we can’t thank them enough for their ongoing support.  Every dollar raised can help to make a huge difference to the life of someone living with low vision, blindness, or specialised support needs.”

Liz Wheeler, a client of Guide Dogs Australia, said the money raised is helping her live a life without limits with the support of her Guide Dog Poppi.

“Poppi has made the ordinary for me not only possible, but extraordinary. Nine years ago I lost my vision, my job and the ability to do ordinary things like cross roads or cook. I lost all hope, but then Guide Dogs gave me Poppi.

“It was hard to be scared to leave my front door when Poppi was so excited to go. With Poppi by my side, I achieved my goal of completing my studies – she graduated along with me and was even presented with her own honorary award!”

The top Collection Dog in each state is Qld – Mackay, NSW/ACT – Liverpool, Vic – Dandenong Princes Highway, SA/NT – Adelaide, Tas – Eastlands, and WA – Greenwood.

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