A&P auction supports guide dog appeal

Warkworth A&P Show guests are being asked to open their hearts and their wallets for a charity auction raising money for guide dogs.

For the fourth year running, coordinator John Barnett has organised an auction of goods from local suppliers and businesses, with proceeds going to the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind’s guide dog service.

John says they have raised a total of $10,000 over the last three years and hope to top last year’s total of $3200.

“Popular items last year included a weed-eater and Morris and James pottery,” he says. “I’m hoping the weather is better this year and brings more bidders.”

Auction items include accommodation and food vouchers, local wine, pottery, as well as sports and DIY equipment.

All items will be on display and will be auctioned by Ben Klopper.

“It costs between $22,000 and $25,000 to breed, raise, train and match a guide dog to a blind or vision-impaired person. They are provided free of charge to those who need them so the Foundation needs all the support it can get.”

There are around 300 working guide dogs in NZ all trained by the Foundation’s guide dog services. Bayleys Real Estate NZ is a principal sponsor.