A fun-filled but interesting day was had by all who attended the Ability Dogs 4 Young People open day at the beginning of the month, which helped raise valuable funds for the Island-based charity.
Ability Dogs 4 Young People opened its doors to the public on Saturday 4th June with demonstrations and mini puppy classes to watch. Sam, an ability dog, gave 3 very entertaining demonstrations showing how an ability dog can help a physically disabled youngster. He made the audiences laugh with his waggy tail and exuberance, especially his enthusiasm with putting the post into the waste bin.
Recipients of Ability Dogs were happy to explain to visitors what they do and what their dog had done for them. Everyone enjoyed meeting the puppies and puppy parents alike.
Children were kept entertained with face painting and helium balloons, plus there were a number of food and drink stands that kindly donated some of their profit from the day. Traditional fundraising games including the popular chocolate tombola and guess how many dog biscuits in a jar were also held.
Lots of the stalls were supported or sponsored by the charity’s partners. Red Funnel kindly donated a ferry travel ticket for a car and 5 passengers, won by Sue Elliot who guessed the number of dog biscuits in the jar. Sainsbury’s donated the chocolate for the tombola, whilst White Stuff of Cowes kindly ran the cake stand and Goddards Brewery offered their Island Brewed beers.
Julie Attrill of the charity’s fundraising team said:
“The day was a great success and it was lovely to invite everyone in to show them what these amazing and truly life changing Ability Dogs do for Island youngsters. The aim of the day was to raise awareness but thanks to everyone’s generosity it was a huge bonus to raise just over £600.00 for the charity.”
Ability Dogs 4 Young People is an Island based charity which trains assistance dogs to improve the lives of physically and mentally disabled young people and children on the Isle of Wight. If you think you can help by fundraising or are interested in becoming a Puppy Parent get in touch by visiting www.abilitydogs4yp.org.uk, emailing [email protected] or by calling 01983 216246.
