As we celebrate International Guide Dog Day on April 27, I'd like to thank the members of the public who resist patting, feeding or otherwise distracting working Guide Dogs in harness.

These amazing dogs, which cost more than $35,000 to breed, raise and train, assist those who are blind or vision impaired to safely and independently get to where they need to go.

Unfortunately, some people in the community continue to distract guide dogs. In a recent survey, 89 per cent of guide dog handlers reported that their guide dog had been distracted by members of the public in the past 12 months. It takes a great deal of concentration for a person who is blind or vision impaired to work safely with a guide dog and everyone in the community can do their part to make the daily travels of someone who has a guide dog a little easier.

People who use guide dogs have been trained in the most effective ways to control their dog's behavior, so please only provide assistance if requested. And if your assistance is required, always direct your attention to the person rather than interacting with their guide dog. Thank you once again to all those who have been considerate, respectful and mindful of the potential issues caused by distracting a guide dog.

Dr Graeme White, CEO Guide Dogs NSW/ACT

Shaving for a cure

On behalf of the Leukaemia Foundation, I would like to thank the community for their active participation and support of the World's Greatest Shave 2016.

One Australian is diagnosed with a blood cancer or a related blood disorder every 46 minutes. As the Leukaemia Foundation receives no ongoing government funding, the support of the public will help meet the increasing demand for our support services.

Each year, the foundation supports thousands of people and their families by providing practical services at no cost.

These services include: information, emotional support, transport and accommodation for regional families required to relocate closer to metropolitan treatment centres.

We also invest millions of dollars each year into vital research to improve treatments and find cures for blood cancer.

Thanks to all of our supporters. There is still time for people to sign up or make a donation to help us reach this milestone on www.worldsgreatestshave.com.au

On behalf of all those diagnosed and their families, who will be supported as a direct result of your support of the World's Greatest Shave, thank you.

Christine McMillan, general manager Leukaemia Foundation NSW and ACT