Auction to help Guide Dog mission

 

The next generation of guide dog puppies will embark on a mission to change the lives of blind or low vision New Zealanders with help from an online charity auction.

The Great Guide Dog Online Auction, organised by leading real estate agency Bayleys, will generate funds for the raising and training of Blind Foundation Guide Dogs.

Bayleys staff, including those from the Orewa, Warkworth, Omaha, Whangaparaoa and Mangawhai offices, have worked tirelessly to collect around 1000 auction items to be listed on trademe.co.nz starting on May 13.

All items will be listed with just a $1 reserve under the Every Dog Has Its Day auction heading.

Among the sought-after listings are holiday and leisure packages, sports goods and memorabilia, event passes, appliances, limited edition artwork, clothing, restaurant vouchers and priceless celebrity encounters.

Big ticket items will be listed throughout the auction and include:

Ÿ Barbara Kendall’s own Olympic Torch – one of only three in New Zealand and the only one not held in the Olympic Museum

Ÿ Rugby ball signed by the 2013 All Blacks

Ÿ A round of golf with Master Chef judge Josh Emett

Ÿ An NRL experience with rugby league commentator Andrew Voss and the Sky Sports broadcast team, including access to the commentary box and sideline

Ÿ Two night’s accommodation at a luxury whale-watching retreat in Tonga, including a champagne cruise.

Ÿ An America’s Cup sailing experience courtesy of Explore NZ

Ÿ An overnight stay on a Royal NZ Navy frigate.

Local businesses have jumped on board including HeliNorth Ltd with a scenic flight or aerial work to the value of $600 and the Orewa Vet Service with a donation of $500 worth of goods and services.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Bayleys’ sponsorship of the Blind Foundation Guide Dogs – a partnership that has so far generated around $2.5million and funded the training of around 120 puppies.

“We are thrilled to have amazing support for the auction from all of the team at Bayleys and so many other generous people across the country,” says Blind Foundation chief executive Sandra Budd. “The auction is a wonderful opportunity to raise essential funds for the Guide Dog programme through the bids of kind-hearted Kiwis.”

Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley says his staff are working hard to really knock this one out of the park for the Blind Foundation Guide Dogs.

“I would like to publicly thank all of those who have donated their goods and services for fellow Kiwis to bid on. Without their generosity and support this entire exercise would not be possible.”

The auction has been designed specifically to appeal to every taste and budget, Mr Bayley says.

n The Every Dog Has Its Day – Great Guide Dog Online Auction launches on trademe.co.nz on May 13 and runs until May 27. Go to trademe.co.nz/greatguidedogonlineauction to see what is on offer.


BIDDING: Bayleys managing director Mike Bayley on board an America's Cup yacht with Blind Foundation Guide Dog Frasier and a selection of auction items to be sold in The Great Guide Dog Online Auction.

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