Causeway Coast Dog Rescue, a local dog rescue charity has been experiencing a huge change to both fundraising and an increase in enquiries to rehome dogs since lockdown started in 2020. No longer able to fundraise in their usual way, local businesswoman Thelma Smyton decided to run a competition to fundraise for her two favourite charities, one of which was the CCDR in Coleraine the other was Coleraine Cats Protection.
Seen here donating a cheque for the princely sum of £800.00 to the Chair of the CCDR charity, Maggie Dimsdale-Bobby, Thelma came in, to volunteer during a closed day to customers and discuss what had been achieved by everyone involved. Thelma and her colleague Tina McDaid, a local artist collected a staggering number of prizes which were kindly donated by local individuals and businesses on the north coast. “we are both passionate about animals and always want to help out where we can. Since Covid-19 hit our community, so many people have forgotten about the animals and the charity’s work to support those animals which is why we both wanted to do our bit”.
Thelma continued, “We had an amazing response, I couldn’t believe how everyone wanted to donate and support the charities which included Paul Thompson solicitors; The Belfry Deli; Ls Gels; Wood turning Wizadry; McCloskey Hardware; TC Grooming; Pets at the Port; Asda, Sainsburys; Moods Hairdressing; Bob & Berts Limavady; Kawasaki; Martin Cole; Gordons Chemist and so many more, twenty-two in total! So, I would like to say Thank you to them all”.
“Both Tina and I were overwhelmed at the response”.
Tina kindly donated the main prize which was a personalised portrait of whatever the winner requested as a commission.
Accepting the cheque, Chair Mrs Dimsdale-Bobby said, “I would like to thank Thelma and Tina for their support and to everyone who donated, on behalf of the charity I thank you for your kindness. “The requests for help from our local community, received by the charity is increasing on a weekly basis and as we haven’t been able to fundraise, this donation is gratefully received.
“The charity continues to provide a valuable service to those in Coleraine and surrounding areas and we are all looking forward to developing our relationships. Our charity shop is open again to the public and encourage shoppers to come along to the Diamond Centre in Coleraine as we are located on the ground floor, as we are raising funds to help as many dogs as possible.”
For more information on the charity and dogs for rehoming, please follow on facebook, twitter or Instagram @causewaycoastdogrescue and thank you for your support.