Coles and Guide Dogs embark on fundraising partnership

Coles customers have the opportunity to make an impact on the lives of Australians living with impaired vision or blindness with every weekly shop.

The supermarket giant has promised to donate five cents from the purchase of every dog food product, both online and in-store from now until 21 May. 

Customers can also ‘feed’ a donation dog with loose change at selected stores across Australia throughout the year.  

The funds raised will go towards funding crucial Guide Dog services such as guide dog training, assistive technology, and breeding and raising programs.  

Katie Wyatt, head of culture and inclusion at Coles Group, said she is proud of the long-running partnership with Guide Dogs.

“Coles is always looking at ways to make the shopping experience…for our customers more accessible and inclusive,” she said. 

“We hope this new and exciting campaign will raise further funds and awareness for Guide Dogs.”

Coles has raised more than $14 million over 40 years through initiatives such as the Donation Dogs at the front of its supermarkets and liquor stores.

Dr. Russell Harrison, Guide Dogs GM dog and vision services, said funds raised will enable the charity to not only provide guide dogs but a range of other services.

“Creating a world that is accessible and inclusive for people with low vision or blindness is only possible with support from organisations like Coles,” he said.

“Our thanks go to the team at Coles and their customers whose generous support is changing lives.”

It is estimated there are over 500,000 people who are blind or vision impaired currently living in Australia, with this number expected to continue rising. According to Guide Dogs, it takes two years and over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and match a suitable Guide Dog with a person with low vision.