A new state-wide recycling campaign launched today by Return and Earn aims to raise $175,000 for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT by October 2025.

The initiative encourages people across New South Wales to donate their 10-cent drink container refunds to help fund and match three trained guide dogs with people living with low vision or blindness. Donations can be made at more than 660 Return and Earn machines or through the program’s app.

The cost to breed, raise and train one guide dog is around $50,000 and takes over two years.

Jaynie Moloney, Community Engagement Manager for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, said they are so excited to kick off this partnership with Return and Earn, it’s such a fantastic way to enable people to support the causes they care about in an easy and affordable way.

“We know it is getting increasingly hard for people to give, which is why this partnership with Return and Earn couldn’t have come at a better time. We’re incredibly thankful for the generosity of the community and the real impact that their contributions make.”

James Dorney, CEO of TOMRA Cleanaway, the network operator for Return and Earn, said he encourages everyone to get behind this cause and help reach the target of $175,000 by 19 October.

“The money raised in this campaign will have such a large impact on the lives of people living with low vision and blindness, by giving them the tools and support needed to safely and confidently navigate their communities.”

Tony, a Guide Dogs client, shared the personal impact of his guide dog, Solo.

“When my vision deteriorated, my world was turned upside down. Guide Dogs completely changed my life and helped increase my confidence, freedom, and independence, ultimately giving me my life back.

“I cannot thank the people who donate and support us enough, it’s an amazing gift and without fundraising initiatives like this, Solo wouldn’t be possible. It’s incredible to think something as simple as recycling a bottle can add up to something truly life changing.”

Return and Earn is a partnership between the NSW Government, Exchange for Change, and TOMRA Cleanaway.

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