Hurstville shoppers are among the most generous in the state, having helped raise the most funds for Guide Dogs Australia as part of its coin collection initiative at Coles supermarkets.
The iconic coin collection dog at the Coles store at Hurstville was among the top three for donations in the country. It joined other top earners including Roselands, Cambridge Gardens, Broadway and Blacktown.
Coles customers across NSW and the ACT have donated more than $3.4 million in loose change since 1982, adding to the national total of $10 million raised for Guide Dogs Australia through the scheme.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT's ambassador dog, Jana, and community fundraising co-ordinator, Georgia Cheyne visited Coles Hurstville recently to thank shoppers and team members.
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT chief executive Dale Cleaver said he was overwhelmed by the support of Coles shoppers.
"Thanks to the generosity of Coles customers and team members we've been able to provide vital services to thousands of Australians living with low vision or blindness," he said.
"We're incredibly grateful that our iconic collection dogs have been given a warm welcome at Coles stores across Australia."
Funds raised through coin collection dogs help support the breeding, raising and training of Guide Dogs for Australians with low vision and blindness.
Coles State general manager Emma Bridges said Coles was delighted to have raised more than $10 million nationally for Guide Dogs Australia.
"The coin collection dogs are extremely popular with shoppers all across Australia but none more so than in NSW/ACT," she said.
"Everyone at Coles is incredibly proud of our long-standing partnership with Guide Dogs Australia and we can't thank our customers enough for helping us to reach this historic milestone."
Coles also donated more than $1 million to Guide Dogs Australia from the sale of specially-marked Coles reusable community bags.
