We followed up with South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind to hear about their year and how they’ve managed to make use of their R10 000 Club Cares donation
Looking back
Although they are still feeling the after-effects that Covid-19 and lockdown had on everyone (such as not being able to breed and train as many dogs, and lack of fundraising), Jackie Quail, regional marketing manager at the NPO explains that their supporters are helping them to continue with the life- changing work that they do. ‘It has been a very exciting year so far for us. We have been working hard on a new integrated marketing campaign, which we are hoping will not only create awareness among South Africans but also raise funds.’ This campaign launched in June with a series of beautiful videos and testimonials about the work that the NPO does and the freedom that their services offer to their clients who are living with disabilities.
‘The cost involved in producing an assistance dog is more than R100 000 and includes many necessary elements to ensure that we produce a top dog (excuse the pun),’ explains Jackie. The Club team is happy to have had a helping hand in relieving the financial pressure on the dedicated team at the NPO. Jackie shares that the much-appreciated donation from Club Cares went towards vet bills and training equipment for the dogs.
What the future holds
Jackie shared that their goal for the year is to further roll out their marketing campaign (called The Freedom Campaign) to raise more awareness of the NPO. ‘During the pandemic, we had to move most of our fundraising initiatives online and through our call centre. By doing this, we soon realised that awareness of the association and the services that we offer had declined amongst the South African public,’ she says.
Over the next few months, different elements of their exciting marketing campaign will be released, and they plan to embark on a national roadshow to raise awareness in towns and cities across South Africa, too. ‘We are also very excited by the lifting of lockdown restrictions, meaning we can once again fundraise in our surrounding communities.’
Some of the amazing events and initiatives that Jackie told us about at the time that this article was written included experience days, school talks and activation stands at various malls around the country in celebration of Mandela Day. They also have an annual SA Guide-Dogs Car Raffle – the prize this year is a Suzuki Swift GLX as well as a Burgman Scooter. ‘Also, with the lifting of restrictions, the much-anticipated annual SA Guide-Dogs Gala Dinner will be back in October. This prestigious event takes place in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and is always a hit on our social calendar.’
Words by Bianca Muller
Photography: Courtesy Images
