'Fancy Finding This' ... for Guide Dogs! 23 July 2011

An astonishing array of goodies is being gathered for Guide Dogs Queensland’s massive trash and treasure sale this month prompting organizers to predict bargains galore for savvy shoppers.
An organ in excellent condition and brand new appliances and are just some of the ‘treasures’ being donated for the event which will raise much needed funds for Guide Dogs on Saturday, 23 July 2011 at St Luke’s Hall, Toowoomba.
According to GDQ’s Community Relations Officer Meg Winterford the sale is living up to its name of “Fancy Finding This” - cleverly suggested by a volunteer who helped out last year.
“It’s amazing what people give away – from antiques to collectables we are thrilled with the quality and variety of items being donated,” Ms Winterford said.
“And that’s the appeal of this particular sale, not only do proceeds help train more Guide Dogs but you never know what you might find.”
There are now seven people who are blind in the Toowoomba region working with a Guide Dog and hundreds more receiving support and training for their vision loss through the local office in Margaret St.
Ms Winterford said GDQ relied on the Toowoomba community to support local services as it received less than seven percent fee-for-service government funding - none of which was for their Guide Dogs or regional services.
“It costs $30,000 to breed, train and place every Guide Dog and every cent must be raised from the community. We are hoping to raise at least $3000 this year which will go a long way in the journey of another puppy,” she said.
“Every donation helps and we are accepting donations of household items, furniture, bric-a-brac, books and any unwanted treasures up until the day,“ she said.
Items can de dropped off at St Luke’s Hall on the corner of Ruthven and Herries streets after 2pm on Friday, 22nd of July or call Ms Winterford on 4632 6944.
A highlight of the event is a silent auction of the major items, a Father’s Day raffle of a fabulous tool bag including a rug, BBQ and car accessories valued at over $250, as well soup and tea and coffee for refreshment.
“Fancy Finding This” will be held from 7am to 2pm, Saturday, 23 July at St Luke’s Hall, corner of Ruthven and Herries streets, Toowoomba.
For more information please contact Community Relations Officer Meg Winterford on 4632 6944 or email toowoomba@guidedogsqld.com.au