Wednesday, 10 March 2010
TWO puppies are heading to Kawerau tomorrow to help with efforts to raise funds to train and care for a guide dog.
The Te Rex Kawerau Guide Dog Puppy Appeal will hopefully conclude with a puppy named after retired Kawerau dog-ranger Rex McLeod gifted to a blind or partially-sighted Eastern Bay person.
In September last year Mr McLeod suffered extensive injuries after he was attacked by a man while trying to seize an unregistered dog in Kawerau.
Kawerau resident and Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind guide dog puppy sponsor Helen Brooking heard about the attack and decided to try and “make something good come out of the unfortunate incident”.
She approached the Kawerau District Council, which agreed to support a joint fundraising initiative to raise the $22,500 needed to sponsor a guide dog puppy.
The two guide dog puppies will visit Kawerau South School and a kohanga reo.
So far $5800 has been raised, with all $22,500 needed by May.
The fundraising committee are also organising a dinner and celebrity auction to be held on April 29 at the Kawerau Cosmopolitan Club. Tickets are $35 per person and include a three course meal with table wine.
There will also be many items on the auctioneer’s block including Daniel Vettori and Dan Carter memorabilia.
People interested in coming can contact Lesley McLeod on 07 3237601 to reserve a seat or table.