Photo: Scott Cousins & Melissa Lee MP
The recent annual appeal for Guide Dogs “Red Puppy Appeal” was held and Scott Cousins from the Ray White Mt Albert office organised a collection point at the local PAK’nSAVE in Mt Albert.
Scott is no stranger to the important role that a guide dog plays in someone’s life, where a sight impairment can stop someone from enjoying what a normal sighted person may take for granted everyday. Scott’s mother is blind and he was brought up with guide dogs as a normal part of his childhood. His first recollection of a guide dog was when his mother walked him to school with her guide dog; it was just part of their normal daily routine.
Guide dogs give people who are blind or have low vision the freedom and confidence to live an independent life. The Blind Foundation has about 230 guide dogs working nationwide, and doesn’t charge people to receive a dog.
Guide dog puppies have two years of rigorous training before graduating. The Blind Foundation receives no Government funding, meaning all the costs for breeding and training (in excess of $20,000 per dog) are met by public donation.
Scott raised $724.90 over a day and not only had support from the team from Ray White Mt Albert, he also organised for local MP, Melissa Lee, to help with the collection.