Meet the Coles ‘top dog’  

Guide Dogs Australia has announced its Coles Mackay store in Queensland as the top fundraising coin ‘Collection Dog’ in the country.

The iconic Collection Dog has raised over $800,000 nationally for Guide Dogs Australia last financial year, with the funds assisting people with low vision, blindness or specialised support.

Guide Dog mobility instructor Ryan Jones said 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 and to date have raised more than $12 million from over 900 dogs across Australia,” he said.

Guide Dogs client Liz Wheeler said money raised by shoppers is helping her to live a life without limits with the support of Guide Dog Poppi. “Nine years ago I lost my vision, my job and the ability to do ordinary things like cross roads or cook. I lost all hope, but then Guide Dogs gave me Poppi and with Poppi by my side, I achieved my goal of completing my studies. Popppi graduated along with me and was even presented with her own honorary award.”

Coles has been involved with Guide Dogs since the late 1930s and the partnership between Coles and Guide Dogs Australia has expanded to include hosting hundreds of the Collection Dogs, selling reusable community bags to raise funds and customer accessibility initiatives.