Northampton shopping centre to host second awareness and fundraising day for Guide Dogs charity

The Northampton branch of the Guide Dogs charity will take over part of Weston Favell Shopping Centre on Saturday October 4, in a bid to raise money for its ‘Name a Puppy’ scheme.

This is the second event the shopping centre has hosted for the charity, with the first taking place in May this year.

According to the charity, the aim is to raise £5,000, which will mean Weston Favell will be able to name a guide dog puppy. At the last fundraising event, the shopping centre hosted a competition for children to name the pup.

Jean Ridley, volunteer and Northampton branch co-ordinator at the Guide Dogs charity, said: “Weston Favell has supported us for many years. It is very valuable to have the continued support.

“They have donated and they are always willing to facilitate our collections.”

‘Name a Puppy’ is one of the charity’s biggest fundraising schemes and Jean reiterated how important it is, as she said the latest figures show it costs £102,000 to raise, train and supply a guide dog puppy from birth to retirement.

On the day of the event, visitors will get the chance to meet guide dogs. There will also be children’s activities like dot to dot and write your name in braille, as well as a tombola and more.

Volunteers will be on hand to tell people more about what the charity does and to collect donations.

The event will be set up on the community square, outside the entrance to Tesco, from 10am until 4.30pm.