Paws for Purpose

A Few Facts…

Blind Low Vision NZ’s Guide Dog service is one of the key ways people with vision loss are free to live the lives they choose with independence and safety.
More than just a way to get around. Anyone who relies on one will agree that a guide dog is also a loyal, devoted friend and family member.
Blind Low Vision NZ is the only organization that trains and breeds guide dogs for New Zealanders with vision loss, yet, we receive no government funding for this.
There are currently 180,000 New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or have low vision. It’s estimated this number will increase to 225,000 by 2028.

The anticipated increased demand over the coming years will extend this waiting time unless more dogs can be successfully trained as guide dogs.

But did you know it costs around $175,000 to raise, train, and keep a guide dog in service?

Charged with making what could potentially be life or death decisions on behalf of their handlers, our dogs have to learn some very smart skills and pass strict criteria. This requires rigorous training and support that continues long after graduation.

Paws for Purpose is a fun and creative way to raise these much-needed funds and make the world a more beautiful place in the process!

What is Paws for Purpose?

You may be be familiar with our life-sized dog coin collection boxes (also known as Trudy Dogs). As a result of our increasingly cashless society, and with retail space at a premium, many of our coin collection sites prefer smaller counter-top boxes, (which now also have QR codes). Our Trudy Dogs are now, sadly obsolete.

2023: We tasked some talented North Island artists with turning 40 of these iconic pieces of Kiwiana into one-of -a kind works of art. We then auctioned these online, raising almost $70,000 for Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs in the process!

2024: This time, it was Ōtautahi Christchurch’s turn. Our uniquely made-over Trudy Dogs raised $43,000 in total, both online, and, for a select group of 5 special dogs, at a live event at Christchurch’s The Tannery.

View the live auction highlights reel on YouTube by clicking here

A group of life-sized dog-shaped collection boxes, Trudy Dogs, painted in bright colours, placed in front of an urban mural.

The Paws for Purpose Christchurch

Give a Dog a Cone

By Krissy Clark

A playful pup sporting an ice cream cone hat, with rich swirls of chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla.

Asiasi

By Kulimoe’anga Stone Maka

Features a sleek black marble appearance, with an intricate spiderweb draped across its eyes, adding a touch of mystery and elegance.

A repurposed Blind Low Vision NZ Trudy dog with a glossy, metallic finish, displaying intricate textures and patterns over its body, positioned on a white pedestal against a black background.

Peace

By Rachel Harré

Covered in a deep sky-blue, this tranquil dog is adorned with beautiful peace lilies, symbolizing serenity and hope.

A repurposed Blind Low Vision NZ Trudy dog decorated blue with white and yellow floral patterns against a black background.

When I Needed a Hand, I Found Your Paw

By Vanessa Heaver

Featuring images of lush forest plant life, showcasing the bond between human, canine, and the natural environment.

A repurposed Blind Low Vision NZ Trudy dog decorated as a black and dark tan dog, against a black background. Featuring lifelike shiny eyes and a realistic texture resembling fur. The dog is adorned with a green camouflage vest featuring brown straps. Depicted sitting on a pedestal painted with a woodland scene, wearing a camouflage harness.

𝘐 g𝘰𝘵 y𝘰𝘶.

By Wayne Youle

Bursting with vibrant pastels and cheerfully decorated with various geometric shapes, this lively piece evokes a feeling of joy and celebration.

A vibrant, multicoloured painted Blind Low Vision NZ Trudy dog in a seated position. The statue features various bright colours like purple, pink, yellow, and blue, and is decorated with circular colour spots all over its body. Set against a black background.