28 August 2012
Seeing Eye Dogs Australia, a division of Vision Australia are thrilled to have been selected for the 2012 eftpos Giveback campaign donation.
The eftpos Giveback campaign runs for four weeks in the lead up to Christmas, during which time Australians will be asked to show their support by pressing CHQ or SAV at the checkout.
With $1million going to the selected charity partner last year, Vision Australia is hoping the results will be just as strong this year.
"We are delighted to be associated with this fantastic campaign," said Vision Australia Acting CEO, David Speyer.
"Funds raised through Giveback will play a vital role in the development of our national Seeing Eye Dog breeding and training facility in Kensington, Victoria."
"By developing a larger and more efficient facility, we will have the capacity to breed and train more Seeing Eye Dogs, and match them with clients more promptly," Mr Speyer said.
Once the development is complete, Vision Australia expects to successfully breed, educate and train up to 100 Seeing Eye Dogs per year and cut waiting times.
As the only national provider of Seeing Eye Dogs in Australia, once the new development is complete, Vision Australia will be able to match 100 people per year with a Seeing Eye Dog - an increase from the current 45.
eftpos is the most widely used debit card system in Australia, accounting for around 80% of debit card transactions. Almost 6 million eftpos transactions are made each day, comprising $285 million in purchases and $40 million in cash out.
"The Giveback campaign is a wonderful initiative of eftpos and we look forward to working with them over the coming months," Mr Speyer said.