Paws for Purpose, an art exhibition aimed at raising funds for Blind Low Vision New Zealand is coming to Christchurch.

The event features life-sized Trudy Dog coin collection boxes, which were once beloved fixtures but have become less effective in today’s near cashless society.

These pieces of Kiwiana have been transformed into artworks by a selection of Christchurch artists.

Andrea Midgen, Chief Executive of Blind Low Vision NZ “With nearly two years and over $175,000 required to raise, train, and keep a guide dog in service—and no government funding to support this endeavour—the need for innovative fundraising has never been greater.”

Proceeds from the bids on the Paws for Purpose artworks will directly contribute to raising and training more guide dogs, helping to transform the lives of thousands of Kiwis who are blind, deafblind, and low vision.

The auction is live now on the Chooza website and will run until Sunday, 18 August.

Local Cantabrians can bid on their favourite pieces online at blindlowvision.org.nz/paws-for-purpose, which redirects to chooza.com.

The collection will go on the block at a live auction on 21 August at The Tannery.

This event will be open to the public with all the Paws for Purpose art dogs on display.