The campaign is on this Christmas to give the gift of freedom to blind Australians through cute, cuddly and very hard-working companions.

Guide dog puppies like nine-month-old Ivan cost around $50,000 to breed, raise and train.

Guide Dogs spokesperson Ryan Jones told Deborah Knight donating money is not the only way to help out, with ‘puppy-raisers’ also needed.

“Everybody who ends up with one of these dogs will tell you it’s worth every single dollar.

“You can’t underestimate … that freedom to walk out your front door, make … choices, have that self-determination.”

Press PLAY below to hear the full interview