How a small school raised thousands for Tasmania's four-legged-friends (2025)

Launceston Preparatory School may only have 128 students, but it's raised a significant amount of money for a charity close to students' hearts.

Students and community members raised more than $5000 for Guide Dogs Tasmania by continuously running around their school oval.

Grade six student Lucy Chandler said the fundraiser took a lot of effort and time, but the outcome was worth it.

"We have so much support in our community that when we aim to do something, we always exceed (our goal)," Lucy said.

Grade six student Archie Byrne said students didn't expect to raise such an impressive amount of money in the short timeframe.

"We thought we would raise $1500, so to raise over $5000 was a massive accomplishment," Archie said.

The school's French teacher was a guide dog trainer and often regularly brought her pups to visit the students, Lucy said this was why students wanted to support the organisation.

"We think it was the best cause for our fundraiser," she said.

Dog trainer Simon Hall said a guide dog can cost up to $50,000 before it even graduates, with vet bills, training, food and other associated costs.

"We normally have a street appeal and that would get us considerably less money than these children have by running around a track - we are so pleased," Mr Hall said.

Prep student Noah Fong raised $220, which was the most money raised out of all the students.

Seventeen-week-old black Labrador Yarra has been sponsored by the school for her training, she will regular visit the school.

"It's lovely that one dog has been sponsored, it gives an association to the school," Mr Hall said.