Some of South Australia’s favourite identities will be among volunteers hitting the city centre on Friday, July 30 helping raise funds for Guide Dogs SA.NT’s largest charity event of the year – Top Dog Day.
Starting from 7:30am at the Adelaide Railway Station, volunteers including Guide Dogs SA.NT trainers and their Guide Dogs will work their way through the city collecting donations, before gathering under the Rundle Mall canopy for a special fundraising activity from 11:00am.
Guide Dogs SA.NT CEO, Kate Thiele, says Top Dog Day is by far the most important event on the organisation’s fundraising calendar.
“It costs $25,000 to raise and train a Guide Dog or Autism Assistance Dog so we are really calling on the public to dig deep for such an important cause.”
“We provide our Guide Dog services free of charge but we receive no government funding for training and raising our Guide Dogs. We rely heavily on the support of the community through fundraising events like Top Dog Day,” says Ms Thiele.
As part of the Rundle Mall activities, well known South Australian identities such as Brenton Ragless, Keith Conlon and Tim Noonan will each team up with a vision impaired child, to paint a miniature collection model Guide Dog.
“We’re thrilled to have the support of people like Brenton and Keith for this year’s Top Dog Day – their involvement really helps place the spotlight on our organisation and our fundraising efforts,” says Ms Thiele.
“The Rundle Mall canopy will be a sea of orange on Friday and we encourage the public to take a moment out of their day to stop and take part in a great cause.”
Renowned fashion designer Liza Emanuele, body artist Emma Hack and local artist Marie Johnson-Harris have also been involved in decorating life-sized collection Guide Dogs which will be on display in Rundle Mall.
“Our kind-hearted volunteers will be collecting donations in exchange for Guide Dog SA.NT merchandise such as pens and puppies throughout the city between 9:00am and 3:00pm,” says Ms Thiele.
“Every year, we receive tremendous support for Top Dog Day from South Australians and I have no doubt the community will once again dig deep to help us continue our services.”
For more information on Top Dog Day and how the public can support Guide Dogs SA.NT, visit www.guidedogs.org.au
Where: Rundle Mall Canopy
When: July 30, 2010
Time: 11:30am – Local Identities start painting collection dogs with vision impaired children.
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