The world’s most valuable dog toy revealed in the lead up to Guide Dogs Day

With Guide Dogs Day only two weeks away on 30 April, Guide Dogs SA/NT is encouraging people to make a small sacrifice to fundraise for the organisation as it seeks to raise the roof on the world’s most valuable dog toy.

Cute little Frankie is the face of Guide Dogs SA/NT’s campaign in the lead up to Guide Dogs Day on 30 April, as she makes the ultimate sacrifice and donates her favourite toy, Ropey, to raise money for her heroes.

Guide Dogs SA/NT is this morning unveiling Ropey – currently valued at $2,719 and climbing – aiming to crowd fund and increase its value in the lead up to Guide Dogs Day on 30 April.

Thanks to Frankie’s sacrifice, Guide Dogs SA/NT is hoping to make Ropey the most valuable dog toy in the world through crowd funding, with all donations towards Frankie’s campaign going to Guide Dogs Day to support people in the community living with low vision or blindness.

“Between now and Guide Dogs Day, we are calling on everyone to get involved – whether that be donating to the cause, buying Guide Dogs products, fundraising as a team, hosting a morning or afternoon tea, encouraging your retail business to get involved by donating part proceeds to Guide Dogs – such as $1 from each coffee or from each schnitzel, steak or salad sold – or even volunteering to be a part of our telethon on the day,” Guide Dogs SA/NT Chief Executive Officer Aaron Chia said.

“Our Guide Dogs help those who live with low vision or blindness to achieve their goals and to live the life they want to lead. Frankie sees the role of Guide Dogs as the ultimate in the canine community and wants to do her part by sacrificing her favourite toy to help raise funds.”

Guide Dogs SA/NT is encouraging businesses to host a fundraising morning tea, or to hold a “bring your dog to work” event to recognise the day. A team of staff, supporters and volunteers will also be working in a telethon-style phone room back at Guide Dogs SA/NT headquarters where donations will be matched by several corporate partners including Specsavers, Adelaide Airport Limited, CBB and William Buck.

Several local businesses, including the Marion Hotel and SOHO Coffee Roasters will also be holding fundraising events to recognise Guide Dogs Day, and spreading the message that Guide Dogs are welcome everywhere.

The campaign is held in line with International Guide Dog Day which serves to raise awareness and celebrate the very important role that Guide Dogs play around the world.

On April 30 key landmarks around the city will be lit up in orange to celebrate, including Adelaide Oval, the Riverbank Precinct Pedestrian Bridge, the Adelaide Railway Station, Parliament House, Adelaide Entertainment Centre and Adelaide Festival Centre.

It takes more than $50,000 to raise and train a Guide Dog and on Guide Dogs Day, donating or supporting Frankie’s sacrifice will help more loveable Labradors on their journey to complete training and change people’s lives.

“Like Frankie, you or your dog can help too. Make a donation at www.guidedogsday.com.au, call our team on (08) 8115 6060, buy some merchandise or enjoy a morning tea to fundraise with your friends and colleagues,” Mr Chia said.

“It might not be a massive sacrifice, but every dollar counts towards improving the lives of people living with low vision or blindness. Thank you for celebrating Guide Dogs Day with us.”

Guide Dogs SA/NT will be holding a media conference to introduce the public to Ropey, the world’s most valuable dog toy today at 10.30am at Veale Gardens, featuring Ambassadogs, Guide Dogs in training and partners.

To donate or encourage your audience to donate, or to watch Ropey’s value rise, please click here: https://www.guidedogsday.com.au/toysacrifice.

Come and pick up your doggie bag on the day!