Auction is no dog's breakfast

GOOD CAUSE: Money raised from the auction will go towards breeding and training guide dogs for the blind. PHOTO/FILE

Bayleys' staff in Wairarapa are getting behind a massive online auction to help breed and train guide dogs.

The Great Guide Dog Online Auction is a fundraising collaboration between Blind Foundation Guide Dogs and its major sponsor of 10 years, Bayleys Real Estate.

The aim is to raise as many funds as possible to change the lives of blind and low-vision people with guide dogs, through the auction of almost 1000 items on Trade Me.

To become a guide dog, puppies need training for two years and have to pass 55 tests.

Bayleys Wairarapa manager Mark Morison said the money raised from the auction would go towards a great cause.

"There's a huge variety of items and some great bargains."

All items are listed with just $1 reserve and include accommodation and leisure packages, sports goods and memorabilia, event and entertainment passes, collectables, appliances, artwork, clothing, food and beverage vouchers and celebrity experiences.

Staff from the Greytown and Masterton offices had gathered 25 donations from local businesses, said Mr Morison, but there were hundreds of items from around NZ to bid on.

"All of the businesses were quite happy to put something together for it, its a cause they are very sympathetic towards."

Some of the items include a getaway at Boulders vineyard in Martinborough, Be a Helicopter Pilot for a Day with Helipro and a Toast Martinborough package.

The auction also coincides with Macular Degeneration NZ's Awareness Week, from May 26 to June 1.

Macular Degeneration is the leading cause of blindness in New Zealand, with one in seven New Zealanders over the age of 50 affected by it.

British actress Dame Judi Dench suffers from it and is currently having treatment to slow its progress.

To make people aware of the importance of early detection, MDNZ is encouraging Kiwis aged over 50 to get checked.

A simple sight test that may also help identify early signs and can be found at www.mdnz.org.nz

Bids close on various dates until May 27, visit www.trademe.co.nz/greatguidedogonlineauction, to bid.