Pawknock for Guide Dogs 50th Year - January 2010

Knock Knock! - It's time to dust off your paws and sign up to raise funds for Guide Dogs Queensland. Guide Dogs Queensland celebrates its 50th Birthday in 2010 which means its annual Pawknock Appeal (21 February - 6 March) will be one of its biggest to date.

The fundraising appeal aims to enlist over 4000 volunteers and raise $250,000 to train the next generation of Guide Dogs - so it's all paws on deck!

GDQ COmmunications and Marketing Manager Donna Hurley said now was the time to register to paw-knock in the appeal which promises to be one of Queensland's key charity events for 2010.

"We are excited to be celebrating 50 years of service in Queensland - each year made possible by the community's support - and we kick start it with this major fundraising appeal. All it takes is to sign-up to paw-knock the doors of your neighbours, work mates and local shops or you can create your own fundraising page online and email your friends and family as a 'Pawknock Everyday Hero' ".

"Our focus is to raise enough funds to get another 70 Guide Dog pups through training this year and reach our goal of building our new $1.5 million breedin centre in Brisbane," Ms Hurley said.

Ms Hurley said GDQ's world-class Breeding Program was growing rapidly and in desparate need of a new, specialised centre to breed, whelp and nurture infant puppies.

"We are obligated to meet a growing demanf for our Guide Dogs and related services and this starts with people volunteering to 'aw-knock' have fun and raise funds."

Volunteers receive an official Appeal Kit containing tips, support contacts and instructions and receive an official certificate of thanks for taking part. 

For information about the 50^th Anniversary Pawknock Appeal or to register as a volunteer go to www.guidedogsqld.com.au and follow the Pawknock links or Free Call 1800 810 119.