What’s Happening?
Townsville residents are invited to join the final PAWGUST, Guide Dogs Queensland‘s annual walking and fundraising challenge.
The campaign runs throughout August and welcomes dog lovers, fitness enthusiasts and anyone wanting to support the cause. Participants can walk or run independently or join a team.
Registration is open online, where participants can set a walking goal and create their own fundraising page.
Why It Matters
Funds raised will support Guide Dogs Queensland’s work with people who are blind or have low vision. This includes raising and training Guide Dogs, specialist services, assistive technology and community programs. Each Guide Dog costs more than $50,000 to raise and train.
These services help clients live with greater confidence, independence and freedom.
“Over the past eight years, PAWGUST has encouraged Australians to join the pack and walk for those who have a critical need for our services, raising close to $8 million across the country,” Guide Dogs Queensland CEO Jock Beveridge said. “We want to make this final PAWGUST a powerful celebration of what our community can achieve when we come together to support people who are blind or have low vision.”
Local Impact
Townsville residents can join colleagues, friends, relatives or their wider community. Others may choose to complete the challenge alone.
Registered participants receive a free pedometer to record their progress. They can also earn fundraising rewards throughout August.
The flexible format allows people to fit their kilometres around work, family commitments and regular exercise.
By the Numbers
- Participants are encouraged to walk or run at least 60 kilometres during August.
- The final PAWGUST campaign aims to raise $120,000 for Guide Dogs Queensland’s work.
- PAWGUST has raised close to $8 million nationally since it began eight years ago.
Zoom In
Long-time client, volunteer and participant Sue Bolton-Wood understands how much a Guide Dog can change daily life.
She completed five PAWGUST challenges with her Guide Dog, Vegas, who is now enjoying retirement.
“PAWGUST gave us another reason to get out together and show people what Guide Dogs make possible,” Sue said. “Every step helped raise awareness and support for others who have low vision or blindness, and it was my way of giving back.”
Sue will complete the final PAWGUST with her new Guide Dog, Angel.
“It’s bittersweet knowing this is the last PAWGUST,” she said. “Vegas and I made so many wonderful memories through the challenge, so it feels special that Angel and I can be part of the final one together.”
Sue is encouraging Queenslanders to help more people gain confidence, independence and freedom through Guide Dogs.
“Every kilometre you walk and every dollar you raise helps create more life-changing partnerships just like the one I had with Vegas and the one I now have with Angel. Let’s make this final PAWGUST the biggest one yet.”
Zoom Out
National proceeds have supported Guide Dogs Queensland and other Guide Dogs organisations across Australia.
The final PAWGUST comes as the organisation changes how it raises funds and connects with the community.
“All good things must come to an end and, as Guide Dogs Queensland continues to evolve, so will the ways we bring our community together to support this cause,” Mr Beveridge said. “As part of our Bridging the Gap to 2032 campaign, we’re aiming to double our services by 2032. Reaching that goal means adapting and setting new benchmarks for how we fundraise and connect with Queenslanders.”
Guide Dogs Queensland also provides specialist services, assistive technology and community programs. These help clients live independently, participate in their communities and reach their goals.
What To Look For Next?
Registrations remain open, and Townsville residents can begin their challenge at any point during August.
Strong local support could help fund more Guide Dog partnerships and services for Queenslanders who need them.
Participants can register through the PAWGUST website, create a fundraising page and begin tracking their kilometres.
