Paw-some fundraising by HSBC staff
Assistance dog charity Canine Partners is delighted HSBC presented them with a cheque for £5,000 following a year of fundraising efforts.
Trust and Corporate Manager Cat Harvey and supporter dog Jenson were presented with the donation by staff from the London offices last week.
Canine Partners was formed in 1990 and has to date partnered more than 600 assistance dogs across the UK. The dogs are trained to perform tasks such as opening and closing doors, undressing, pressing buttons, retrieving items, unloading washing machines, taking card and cash from ATMs and other everyday tasks that disabled people find difficult, painful or impossible to do for themselves.
Cat said: “We are delighted to accept this generous cheque from HSBC and would like to thank all the team for their fantastic fundraising efforts during the past year.
“They have been busy running fantastic fundraisers over the past year, including a casino evening, a summer fete, an Easter egg hunt, a golf day and even a charity run.
“We are so grateful to HSBC for all their enthusiasm, and the commitment they have shown to making a real difference to the lives of disabled people by supporting Canine Partners.
“Canine Partners does not receive any government funding and relies solely on donations, so the money they have donated will truly make a difference.
“We look forward to seeing HSBC again when we hold our open day in Canada Place Shopping Centre on 14 April.”
People with disabilities as diverse as MS, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, ME, spina bifida and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome benefit from the assistance and support of these assistance dogs. In addition, through the Charity’s connection with Help For Heroes, there are canine partners helping former service personnel not only with their injuries but also to overcome the debilitating effect of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Lorna Mitchell, from HSBC, said: “We have greatly enjoyed working towards our fundraising target and the support we have received from Canine Partners has been tremendous. Training a dog that will eventually support and provide practical assistance to someone in need was an incredibly motivating goal.”
For more information about Canine Partners please visit caninepartners.org.uk or to talk to the Charity about corporate donations contact catharvey@caninepartners.org.uk or 01730 716106.