Young Chloe pats Guide Dogs Victoria ambassador – Kelly Yates
TO CELEBRATE the grand opening of Specsavers Optometrists, the Fountain Gate store hosted a special event to raise money for Guide Dogs Victoria.
The store raised $130.25 for the organisation and Specsavers owners Silvia Goldenberg and Michael Grinter matched the customer donations dollar for dollar, making the final donation $260.50.
Last Thursday’s official opening was a popular event with more than 200 people browsing through the new store from 2pm to 9pm.
Ms Goldenberg said she was extremely happy with the turnout.
“It was more than we could have ever hoped for,” she said.
With glasses galore, the day’s events also included a live body painting display, face painting, a cartoonist drawing caricatures and a visit from the guide dog puppies.
Ms Goldenberg said that charities assisting people who were blind or vision impaired were particularly close to their hearts.
“I’ve worked in the industry for over 10 years and during that time, you see a lot of people who are visually impaired and the positive impact a guide dog has as a service,” she said.
“No matter what age they are, having a guide dog gives them some independence.”
Ms Goldenberg said the store will continue to offer support to Guide Dogs Victoria and other vision charities.
Guide Dogs Victoria receives no government funding for the breeding and training of guide dogs.
Corporate development officer for Guide Dogs Victoria Lynda Inglis said it cost $25,000 to breed and train each dog.
She said the process took between 18 months and two years to breed and train them.
Guide Dogs Victoria currently breeds 130 dogs per years and each dog has an average working life of eight to 10 years.
