Get a spring in your step and organise a walk for Canine Partners
National charity Canine Partners, which provides specially trained assistance dogs to people with disabilities, is calling people to organise a bluebell walk in their area. The Charity has set a goal of a walk in each county for the 2012 Bluebell Walk Campaign, to help raise additional funds to train more dogs to help people with disabilities.
Now in its ninth year, the Bluebell Walk Campaign has to date raised more than £100,000 for Canine Partners and plays a significant part in the Charity’s fundraising calendar. Interested parties are encouraged to organise a walk in April or May, whilst spring flowers are in bloom. Walks can cover any distance and organisers will be provided with a free information pack on how to make the walk a success, as well as merchandise, entry forms, how to utilise www.visitwoods.org to locate nearby woods and more.
Isabel Campbell, director of fundraising and marketing at Canine Partners, comments, “Last year there were 24 walks in 10 counties, so our aim in 2012 is to expand that as far as possible – ideally having at least one walk in every county. A bluebell walk is a great day out for all the family and many organisers tie them in with a BBQ, pub lunch, garden party, afternoon tea and other such great ideas. If you feel inspired to join our team of walk organisers, please do get in touch.”
Nicola Daniels has multiple sclerosis and graduated with canine partner Nutmeg in 2011. “Thanks to Nutmeg I now stand 10ft tall, where before I would feel as small as an ant. When I drop my phone or any item, Nutmeg will stop to pick it up for me. If something has fallen, she will bring it to me to tidy up. When I need the home phone, she gets it for me. When the postman comes she will bring me any letters or small parcels. When I need to talk she listens – I am never alone.”
If you would like to get involved and organise a bluebell walk for Canine Partners, please contact Libby Rome on 01730 716013 or visit the website www.caninepartners.org.uk
