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Sydney Airport appeal to raise and train 5 Guide Dog puppies: Aero, Pax, Kingsford, Syd and Amelia

Sydney Airport has launched a Christmas appeal to raise funds to support and a train litter of puppies for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.

The airport recognises the crucial role that Guide Dogs play in providing independence and assistance to people with low vision or blindness, especially when they travel.

The appeal will run from now until 21 January, with special “Donation Dog” collection boxes and QR codes prominently displayed throughout the domestic and international terminals, making it easy for passengers and visitors to support this great cause.

There will also be gift wrapping stations from 18 to 24 December in the terminals, where passengers can make a contribution to Guide Dogs and get their Christmas presents wrapped.

All donations will go towards raising and training five puppies, which have been affectionally given aviation related names by staff at Sydney Airport.

Labrador puppies Aero, Pax, Kingsford, Syd and Amelia were born four weeks ago and will undergo an extensive two-year training program before they’re ready to be matched with handlers.

It costs $50,000 to breed, raise and train each Guide Dog, and with the help of the travelling public, the airport hopes to raise enough funds to care for the new litter over the next two years.

As well as raising funds, this appeal also aims to raise awareness around how everyone can make travel more accessible for passengers with low vision and blindness.

Karen Halbert, Sydney Airport’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, an organisation that helps make independent living and travel a reality for so many people.”

“We have all fallen in love with the Sydney Airport puppies Aero, Pax, Kingsford, Syd and Amelia and can’t wait to see them grow from playful pups to fully qualified dogs with jobs, who will transform the lives of the people who need them.

“This Christmas is going to be a big one at the airport, with millions of travellers passing through the domestic and international terminals, where they’ll have the opportunity to give generously to help support the puppies.”

However, it’s not just the puppies that could go on to make a huge difference in the lives of people with low vision or blindness with the public also encouraged to play their role.

Tamara Searant, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT General Manager of Social Change, said: “This first of its kind partnership for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will help raise awareness and break down barriers for our community to have a smoother travel experience.”

“We’re asking travellers and airport workers to consider us while passing through, and to work with us to create a more inclusive community for people with low vision and blindness.

“Fellow passengers play an important role in supporting Guide Dog Handlers or people who use white canes. If you see a Guide Dog in harness, please don’t pat them, and if you see someone with a Guide Dog or a white cane, always ask them if they require assistance before taking any action.”

Ingrid Barnes and her Guide Dog Banner are regulars at Sydney Airport, having taken 29 flights together since they were matched in 2019.

“I have limited time left with the current level of vision I have, so I want to see as much of the world as possible,” said Ingrid Barnes.

“When you’re travelling, you get to spend time with family, experience new places, go to new art exhibitions, concerts, the theatre and stay in lovely hotels – it gives you something to look forward to.”

The 30-year-old Client Connections Specialist said she hoped the partnership would help people understand how they can assist their fellow passengers during the peak travel period.

“The bond between Banner and I can make travel so much easier. He can navigate busy environments like airports really well, and he can even help me find my suitcase at the carousel by smell because I pack his food.

“But there can be challenges too, like access to relief areas for Banner and ensuring people know how to interact with people who have a Guide Dog.

“Thankfully, partnerships like this and community education will continue to improve access and inclusion for people who are blind or have low vision.”