Bunbury shoppers support puppy power to help blind

Compassionate South West residents raised over $1260 to help train 15 seeing eye dogs for Australians in need of extra support.

Customers helped City Farmers Bunbury to raise the money for the Petbarn Foundation annual seeing eye dogs appeal that contributes to the cost of breeding, training and caring for the dogs.

Store manager Heather Mckenzie said the team was extremely grateful to everybody who donated to the cause.

“We know 2020 has been a challenging year for so many people, yet our customers continue to amaze us with their generosity,” she said.

The money raised will go towards helping Australians who are blind or have low vision retain their independence and mobility.

Royal Canin donated $50,000 to the fundraiser — enough to train one puppy, according to Ms Mckenzie.

“There’s still about 1500 people in Australia waiting for a seeing eye dog,” she said.

“This is the major fundraiser each year.

I think everyone knows someone who is affected, either with glasses or walking with a cane ... I think they want everyone to be able to live a normal life.

“If we raise the most money for our region we get to nominate a puppy name, we didn’t win but our most voted name was Manahki, meaning blessing.”

Across Australia, Petbarn raised $775,000 in July — a record amount in the appeal’s seventh year.