Thomas’s School Fulham Raises Huge Sum for Charity

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£78,000 donated to Canine Partners who train dogs for people with disabilities

Canine Partners, who change the lives of people with disabilities through specially trained dogs, has thanked the pupils, teachers and parents of Thomas’s School, Fulham in a presentation at its Southern Centre. Nearly a year of fundraising has generated a staggering £78,000, allowing the school to make a significant contribution to the vital work of the Charity.

Thomas’s School chose Canine Partners as its Charity of the Year 2015/16 after Chair of the PTA Anna Boucher saw these amazing dogs in action. Throughout the year there have been a series of fundraising activities including selling ice creams, a quiz night, Christmas Fayre, Spring Fair and dog show plus a summer ‘Wild West’ ball. A thank-you ceremony by Canine Partners and cheque handover from Thomas’s School took place on Thursday 28 July.

Anne Yendell director of fundraising and marketing at Canine Partners comments, “We are truly impressed and grateful for the fundraising efforts put in by Thomas’s School. Any amount people can raise is always appreciated, yet these kinds of figures can really make a difference. I cannot thank the pupils, staff and parents of Thomas’s School enough and look forward to discussing which areas of our work they would like to support with the funds.”

Already, Thomas’s school has used £20,000 for a Gold dog sponsorship package. This means they have been able to name a puppy and sponsor it through its entire working life. A little black Labrador puppy is therefore called Thomas and the school will be following his training, which began in January this year. Later Thomas will progress into advanced training and further down the line be matched with the person he will assist.

Anne Boucher comments, “The pupils have really engaged in supporting Canine Partners and understanding the importance of fundraising. Our visit from demo dog Toffee was a particular highlight, especially as they got to see first hand what tasks these dogs can do to change the lives of people with disabilities. We are eagerly following Thomas’s journey and look forward to seeing what comes next!”

 

August 12, 2016