Textile Art Challenge raises more than £2,000 for Canine Partners

Assistance dog charity Canine Partners has raised more than £2,000 from their Textile Art Challenge which celebrated 25 years of transforming lives.

Art-lovers were able to purchase creative pieces at The Angel Inn in Midhurst during the four day exhibition which took place between 18-21 February.  The hotel was very generous in hosting the event enabling all proceeds from the sales to go to the Charity.

Organiser of the challenge Olive Rowell, who was one of a team of 60 chosen to embroider the Duchess of Cambridge’s wedding dress under strict confidentiality at the Royal School of Needlework in the lead up to the Royal wedding in 2011, challenged people to buy a pack of 25 fabrics and use all of them, in whole or part, to create a finished piece which most people chose to donate to the exhibition.

All proceeds from the £10 pack went to Canine Partners, a charity which trains assistance dogs to transform the lives of people with disabilities.

Olive, from Haslemere, said: “The joy of this challenge was it was totally inclusive and anyone could take part whatever their ability. On one hand there was an exhibit from a special needs school and the other end of the spectrum there were semi-professional artists. This meant we sold items from £5 to £195 so there was something for everyone. I am now looking forward to next year when we can challenge even more people.”

Canine Partners, which was founded in 1990, trains dogs to help with everyday tasks people with disabilities would otherwise find difficult, painful or impossible including opening doors, undressing, pressing buttons, and fetching dropped items. The dogs increase independence, confidence and provide loving companionship.

Kay Gilmore, Regional Fundraiser at Canine Partners, said: “We are grateful to everyone who has been involved in Canine Partners Textile Art Challenge.

“Canine Partners does not receive any government funding so the money raised will enable us to continue our life-transforming work.”

For more information about Canine Partners and to find out what events we have in your area visit caninepartners.org.uk.