How can we solve the real problem of a lack of guide dogs for the blind How can we solve the real problem of a lack of guide dogs for the blind

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Solving the very real problem of a lack of guide dogs for the blind can help us achieve a society where everyone can live dignified lives. It is estimated that in Japan about 3,000 people (*1) are in need of a guide dog. Unfortunately, the number of guide dogs amounts to only 861 (as of the end of March 2021) (*2) and there is a shortage of funds for training them.

In order to solve this problem together with our customers, a fund-raising drive has been held at Seibu/Sogo, Ito-Yokado, Denny's, Yorkmart, York Foods and York Price stores (excluding some stores) (*3). Donations collected from customers and from employees, as well as financial contributions from Seven & i Holdings and Seibu/Sogo, are being used to fund the training of guide dogs. Since the start of the initiative in 1991, the total amount of funds collected thanks to the cooperation of all of you has exceeded 700 million yen (*4). The Seven & i Group will continue to work with its customers as a channel to convey their thoughts and to further their understanding of issues.

In-store collection box
Guide dog familiarization campaign at stores
Guide dog acceptance seminar for employees

Seibu/Sogo, in addition to over-the-counter donations and employee-organized "One! Coin Club" fund drives, in order to foster an understanding of visually impaired people and of guide dogs holds in-store events (*5) and "Guide Dog Acceptance Seminars" for its employees.

※1"Estimation of the actual number of guide dogs and potential market share" (2011) survey conducted by the National Federation of Guide Dog Facilities, a certified NPO.

※2Survey by the Guide Dog Committee, Independence Support Facility Subcommittee, Social Welfare Corporation Japan Council for the Blind

※3Donations will be collected at Ito-Yokado, Denny's, Yorkmart, York Foods and York Price from June 1st to August 31st, 2021.

※4Total collected by the Group as of August 2021

※5Not conducted in 2020 and 2021.