Pineapple bags raise Guide Dog puppies

EVER hauled your groceries home in a reusable carry bag with a vibrant pineapple graphic on the front?

That Coles community bag was designed by 13-year-old Damascus College student and Ross Creek local, Kassidy Jewell, and for almost three years, 10 per cent of proceeds from every pineapple tote has been donated to Guide Dogs Australia.

As single-use plastic bags were removed from supermarkets in 2018, the bags went on sale. Over $1 million has since been raised to nurture 23 Guide Dogs.

Kassidy created one of 14 successful competition illustrations while she was nine years old and attending Woady Yaloak Primary School.

“I’m grateful that Coles chose me to be a part of an initiative that not only helps the environment, but many worthy organisations and causes,” she said.

“I’m so proud and honoured that my bags have helped raise more than $1.1 million for Guide Dogs Australia, to breed and train 23 puppies.

“I get really, really excited when I see someone walking in the street or in a shop with my bag because they actually picked my bag and bought it, which means they must have liked it.”

Guide Dogs Victoria CEO Karen Hayes said the trained puppies have allowed 23 Australians to live with more independence.

“We can’t thank shoppers enough for getting behind this initiative and the young artists who helped design such wonderful bags,” she said.

The broader Coles community bag initiative has generated $5 million, also benefiting SecondBite, Little Athletics centres, and Clean Up Australia.