Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind officially launched their annual fundraising car draw at the Cork City Ford Centre on Forge Hill. The winning prize in the 2012 draw is a brand new Ford Focus valued at €20,000 kindly donated by Ford Ireland.

A number of Irish Guide Dog's staff and their dogs took time out from their busy schedule of training the guide dogs of the future to attend the launch. All eyes were on the candy red Focus which is sure to be a huge hit with the public. Tickets for the car draw will be on sale at events and in shopping centres nationwide from now till the draw on December 1st.

Padraig Mallon, Chief Executive for Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind said, “We are delighted that Ford Ireland has given us such a great prize. This year’s car draw will go a long way to help boost our fundraising income at a time when we need it most. The public’s response to our Ford Focus raffle in 2011 was very positive and this year we hope to raise €120,000 to help fund our services.”

Speaking at the launch Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director for Ford Ireland said, “We’re really pleased to be able to support a charity that makes such a positive difference to people’s lives, especially at a time when raising funds is such a challenge. Many people are seeking the life changing benefits of a guide or assistance dog, and we want to help Irish Guide Dogs meet that demand.”

Tickets can be bought on the charity's website at www.guidedogs.ie or from volunteers who are selling the nationwide. Tickets are €5 each and the draw will take place on Saturday, December 1st.

For more information about where tickets will be on sale, go to www.guidedogs.ie or call 1850 506 300.