Law firm’s colleagues vote for Dogs Trust as their charity of the year
They say the UK is a nation of dog lovers – and here in the North East of England, that certainly seems to ring true for the people at Jacksons, who have voted the Dogs Trust in Darlington as their charity of the year.
Every financial year, the team at the law firm, which has offices in Teesside and Newcastle, vote for the charity which they want to benefit from company fundraising events, as part of Jacksons’ commitment to supporting the local community.
This year, the most popular charity to have been nominated through a democratic vote across the firm was Dogs Trust.
Emily Bentley, the firm’s head of marketing and business development and Alexander Smith, marketing executive, were taken on a tour of the rehoming and adoption centre for our four-legged friends by Gordon Norrie, the charity’s supporter relations officer.
Alexander said: “We were very impressed with the site, which is super modern and not at all what we’d imagined it would be like.
“Everyone we met on the tour was very friendly and all have the welfare of the dogs at their core and heart, as well as trying to ensure that the dogs in their care are as prepared as possible for their rehoming journey.”
The Dogs Trust rehoming centre in Darlington boasts training facilities, a hydrotherapy centre for dogs with injuries and other issues, a dedicated puppy centre, quarantine facility and veterinary centre.
Emily said: “Dogs the Trust looks after are given the very best care and opportunity to be rehomed with the most suitable humans.
“We got to meet Lucy, a lovely Saluki who is searching for her new family and a place to call her forever home – a lovely calm young lady who just wanted to lean in and love.”
Emily added she felt “uplifted” from the visit to the impressive facility that is “far from a depressing kennel environment”.
She said: “It was a warm, friendly, hopeful place and it left me feeling lifted – being around dogs does that to me – they’re like a furry therapy!”
Erica Turner, Jacksons’ head of legal and partner, is another big fan of dogs – and was one of many who put forward the Dogs Trust as one of the charities the team might want to vote for.
She said: “As the proud owner of two lively, spirited German Shepherds and seeing firsthand the comfort and joy dogs bring to so many people, I was more than happy to put forward the Dogs Trust as Jacksons’ Charity of the Year.
“The charity provides a loving and homely environment for a wide range of dogs while they await their new forever homes – but requires continuous investment to keep up such a high standard of care.
“It was pleasing to hear from Emily and Alex how uplifted they felt from their visit – and it’s clear many of our team who know of the charity’s work feel the same about the way the charity cares for our four-legged friends.”
Gordon Norrie, Dogs Trust supporter relations officer, said the Trust was extremely grateful to the team at Jacksons for their kindness in voting for the charity, as corporate support is vital to enable it to continue its fantastic work.
“We are always looking at ways to raise more vital funds for the charity and our forthcoming Christmas fair is a “must attend” if you are a dog owner or lover,” Gordon added.
“As well as a chance to see some of what goes on at the centre, there are lots of stalls selling Christmas and dog-related gifts, games, tombolas, a raffle and our kitchen will be open for a cuppa and possibly your first mince pie of the year!
“The highlight of the event is a visit from Santa Paws himself, who will give your dog an early Christmas pressy and pose for a great festive photo.”
The fair runs from 10am to 4pm on Saturday 29th November.
Jacksons will be hosting a range of events and fundraising opportunities for Dogs Trust throughout the year, including a Christmas quiz night.
For more information on the work of the Dogs Trust Darlington, visit https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/our-centres/darlington