In response to the Taiwan Guide Dog Association’s charitable efforts, Bank of Taiwan once again collaborated with the association to host a fundraising event. The guide dog charity bazaar and fair, held on the afternoon of June 15 at the Huashan 1914 Creative Park, aimed to actively support guide dogs and infuse a warm and positive energy into society. Around noon, a crowd had already gathered at the venue of the fair. Despite the scorching June weather, passionate attendees and adorable and gentle guide dogs came together on the lawns of Huashan, creating a heartwarming scene filled with love.

The development of guide dogs in Taiwan has a profound impact on the lives of persons with visual disabilities. Serving as their eyes, guide dogs leverage their exceptional guiding abilities that enable persons with visual disabilities to navigate their environments safely and independently. Aside from practical assistance, guide dogs also provide emotional support and facilitate social interaction. The Taiwan Guide Dog Association is dedicated to promoting the concept of guide dogs by offering successfully trained guide dogs free of charge to persons with visual disabilities who need them. However, the training of guide dogs requires significant investments in manpower and funding, which is why support and practical assistance from all sectors of society are necessary. In 2005, Bank of Taiwan was the first institution in Taiwan to issue the first “Guide Dog Charity Affinity Card” to support the training of guide dogs in order to benefit more persons with visual disabilities. When the card is used, 0.375% of the transaction amount is donated as a rebate, thereby providing long-term sponsorship to the Taiwan Guide Dog Association. Cumulatively, donations have exceeded NT$55 million.

Under the leadership of Chairman Joseph Jye-Cherng Lyu, Bank of Taiwan has consistently upheld the principle of doing good and doing what is right, committed to sustained efforts in using its corporate brand to make a positive impact. Over the past 19 years, donations from the “Guide Dog Charity Affinity Card” have facilitated the training of nearly a hundred guide dogs. The bank has upheld its principles and dedication by expanding its annual charitable fundraising events for guide dogs, aiming to unite all sectors of society in contributing and ensuring a smoother path for the development of guide dogs.

To ensure a memorable experience for all attendees, the fair featured a diverse array of charity stands, attracting numerous children and adults to stop and participate, filling the air with laughter and joy. In addition to innovative and fun games, the fair also included educational initiatives such as “Recognize Fraud, Stop, Look, Listen” to raise awareness toward financial fraud prevention, and the “Fight Corruption, Promote Integrity” stand. Through interactive games, attendees were engaged in learning the principles of integrity, consumer protection, and the Enterprises Service Integrity Platform. By combining entertainment with education, these stands provided valuable knowledge to the public.

The main stage performance and raffle were nothing short of spectacular. The DunHua Elementary school string orchestra opened the event with a melodious performance, followed by the DANCE SOUL Children Dance Troupe, who drew an enthusiastic response from the crowd. Ariel Hsiao, along with the performance from the EyeMusic Band, also captivated the audiences with their exceptional talents. The highlight of the event was a heartfelt performance by musical prodigy Shara Lin, followed by a graduation ceremony for guide dogs Jodie and Gary, symbolizing their successful completion of training. This ceremony not only recognized their dedicated efforts but also marked their official entry into the role of loyal companions to persons with visual disabilities. The event was heartwarming and touching, witnessing the solid emotional bond between guide dogs, their foster families and persons with visual disabilities.

The mascot “Whale BUBI”, born out of the digital transformation initiative, made its public debut today at the fair, appearing as an adorable large plush doll. The event featured a unique auction of five limited-edition “Whale BUBI” dolls personally signed by Chairman Lyu. The bidding war generated a lively atmosphere, reaching a fever pitch. All proceeds from the charity bazaar were donated to the Taiwan Guide Dog Association.

The fair wrapped up in a warm and joyful atmosphere, with Chairman Lyu expressing gratitude to all participants for their compassion. He emphasized, “Bank of Taiwan is a century-old national bank that keeps pace with the times. It serves as a leading advocate for sustainability and is committed to providing financial services that are user-friendly. In the future, Bank of Taiwan will continue to actively engage as participants in cultivating guide dogs, aiming to raise awareness, support, and appreciation for these animals. This initiative seeks to benefit more persons with visual disabilities, demonstrating Taiwan’s vitality of love and trust.”