Coles’ top dogs recognised by Guide Dogs Australia

Guide Dogs Australia has revealed Coles’ top fundraising coin Collection Dogs in the country, with Coles Mackay in Queensland named number one.

Last financial year, the Collection Dogs at Coles raised over $800,000 nationally for Guide Dogs Australia. Every coin dropped into one of the in-store Collection Dogs helps guide dogs assist someone with low vision, blindness or specialised support.

While guide dogs are what they’re best known for, the charitable organisation also provides a range of services including adult and children’s mobility, early childhood services, assistive technology, occupational therapy, access consulting, advocacy, therapy dogs and more.

Guide Dog Mobility Instructor Ryan Jones thanks Coles and its team members and customers for their support.

“We’re incredibly grateful that our 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,” he says.

“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 General Manager Corporate & Indigenous Affairs Sally Fielke says the retailer is proud of its long-standing partnership with Guide Dogs Australia.

“Coles is extremely proud to have raised over $1 million for Guide Dogs Australia last financial year from Collection Dogs in our stores and the sales of specially marked reusable shopping bags,” she says.

“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.”

Coles’ top dogs by state in FY22