League legend Shane Webcke gives a free ‘kick’ to Guide Dogs Qld - September 2010

Footy great Shane Webcke is helping to promote Guide Dogs Queensland (GDQ) through his work with local junior rugby league club, the Albany Creek Crushers.

Mr Webcke, whose Royal Hotel in Leyburn sponsors the Crushers, asked the club to give GDQ free advertising space on its 2011 Jerseys as a way of promoting its vital work for Queenslanders who are blind or vision impaired.

The club has agreed to feature the GDQ logo on its 2011 jerseys at no cost to the association.

Albany Creek Crushers President Brad Stranks and Mr Webcke visited the Guide Dogs Queensland Breeding and Training Centre on Tuesday, 28 September, to formalise the advertising sponsorship, valued at $5,000.

The announcement was made prior to a Puppy Progression Party, where Guide Dogs Queensland recognised the puppies that are about to enter formal Guide Dog Training, and acknowledged the hard work of the volunteers who have raised the pups for the past 10 months.

Guide Dogs Queensland Chief Executive Officer Chris Laine said the association welcomed the Crushers’ gesture given the club itself relied on community support and government grants to operate.

“The club, through Mr Stranks and Mr Webcke, has demonstrated a real commitment to the community by waiving the advertising fee, and providing a high profile promotion opportunity to Guide Dogs Queensland,” Ms Laine said.

Ms Laine said such support was valuable as GDQ received only seven per cent in government funding, none of which was allocated to the breeding, training or placement of Guide Dogs.

“We hope to strengthen this partnership with the Albany Creek Crushers and look forward to taking Guide Dogs-in-training along to some home games during the 2011 season to meet the players.”

For further information please contact GDQ Media Coordinator Jessica Chad by phone: 3500 9019 or email: j.chad@guidedogsqld.com.au