Shop snacks support charity

Rug Doctor is celebrating its fifth year of fundraising for Canine Partners, a charity focused on assisting people with disabilities to enjoy a better quality of life by providing specially trained assistance dogs.

The partnership began through Rug Doctor's finance and HR manager, Paul Hansford, who has a personal connection with the charity, having previously worked there as a dog trainer. Hansford then opened a tuck shop in the Rug Doctor offices where all proceeds from sweets and drinks go towards the cause.

"We have managed to raise over £7,500 for the charity," says Hansford. "Enough to pay for the acquisition of eight puppies to be trained as assistance dogs." The dogs assist with tasks such as opening and closing doors and cupboards, helping people get undressed, pressing buttons and switches, raising the alarm in an emergency and unloading washing machines.

"We are extremely grateful for the money raised so far by Rug Doctor, and hope that we can continue our relationship with them in the future," says Isabel Campbell, director of fundraising and marketing at the charity.