After sponsoring Luca, a black Labrador puppy, to be trained as a visually impaired helper from the SA Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind, Pick n Pay Pet Club is continuing their support for the organisation.

The Association’s 70^th birthday celebrations include a 70 Days of Giving campaign, aiming to raise R700 000 in 70 days. Pick n Pay, encouraged by the support from their Pet Club members who support the retailer in giving back to animal NGOs, has committed to raising another R100 000 donation.

In 2020, Pick n Pay donated R100 000 to sponsor Luca’s training as a guide dog. Last November, he moved in with his new owner Jenny Pretorius in Fish Hoek. Pretorius is deaf and blind so Luca assists her as a hearing as well as a guide dog. “Since Luca has been with me, he’s been helping me get my life together again after the death of my last guide dog. We love working as a team and are very happy together,” Pretorius said.

Pick n Pay has launched a limited-edition SA Guide-Dogs Association reusable shopping bag – made from recycled plastic bottles – which has a beautiful picture of Luca and other service dogs. “These will be sold in-store for R40, with R5 from each bag sold, as well as five percent of sales of Nutriphase dog food – Pick n Pay’s exclusive premium pet food made by a local supplier – donated to the Association. Customers can also donate their Smart Shopper points via the PnP app or instore kiosk ” said Andrew Mills, Group Executive Marketing at Pick n Pay

“Our customers closely followed Luca’s journey – and even named him – so we knew they’d want to be part of helping raise funding for the Association. It’s heart-warming to see how much our customers care and want to be part of this incredible initiative.”

Jackie Quail from the SA Guide-Dogs Association said ever-increasing costs means they had to dig deeper into their pockets to keep their dogs healthy and happy. “We are extremely grateful to Pick n Pay and encourage shoppers to support 70 Days of Giving so we can continue to change the lives of humans and doggies alike.”

Since the launch of the Pick n Pay Pet Club three years ago, members have saved a total of over R10-million in discounts and bonus points.

The campaign is running at selected Pick n Pay Supermarkets and Hypers countrywide until July 18 2023.