For the past 3 years we have allowed our members to use the Social Value fund to support those charities closest to them and closest to us. By giving back our surplus, a social value contribution is donated to different charities each month.
Each month of the year we support a different charity. For the month of July our charity partner was Guide Dogs. As a thank you for our donation of £9970 we have had the opportunity to sponsor our very own puppy.
Guide Dogs is charity that supports people with sight loss, assisting with their everyday lives. The services provided by Guide Dogs enable thousands of people to lead confident and fulfilling lives, with every pound raised making a difference.
A guide dog makes an enormous difference, providing someone with independence. Today, Guide Dogs is the world's largest breeder and trainer of working dogs. And thanks to their dedicated staff, volunteers and the public's vital donations, they have now helped thousands of people to achieve life-changing independence.
After a public vote on social media to help us name our puppy, the chosen name, Luna was agreed. We are delighted to announce that Luna has been born and we are so excited to be part of her pawsome story. It is amazing to think that, in the future, this once tiny puppy could help someone living with sight loss to step out into the world and live the life they choose.
Luna is settling in well with her Volunteer Puppy Raiser providing a loving home in the early stages of Luna's Guide Dogs training. Puppy Raisers have a really important role in a pups’ development. They teach them good social behaviour and familiarise the puppy with all the sights, smells and sounds of everyday life, including town centres and public transport.
A puppy’s name is the most important word that they will learn as it’s a signal to them that says, “the next message from us is for you”.
We will be following Luna's progress as she starts her journey from a six-week-old bundle of fur to a fully-qualified guide dog.
More information about Guide Dogs and the wonderful work they do can be found here.