More than £13,000 has been raised to train a guide dog, with the generous contributions coming from members of the British Metals Recycling Association (BMRA). The funds will be used to train a guide dog for its first year, and the pup’s name will be chosen by BMRA members themselves.
A Successful Fundraiser
In an impressive display of generosity, the BMRA has raised £13,282.95 for Guide Dogs. The money was accumulated through a combination of raffle entries, silent auction bids, and competition prize donations. These efforts were part of the BMRA’s ongoing charity initiatives, demonstrating the collective spirit of the association’s members.
The funds raised will go towards training a guide dog, covering its expenses for its first year. As part of the donation, BMRA members will also have the unique opportunity to name the guide dog. As the puppy grows, the association will receive quarterly updates, including photos of the dog, and they will even have the chance to meet the puppy in person once it’s ready.
Susie Burrage, president of the BMRA, expressed her delight at the outcome, saying, “I am thrilled with the amount raised by our generous members, and that we can name a dog. We were delighted to welcome Martine Clarke with her guide dog, Willow, and Ruth Norman from Guide Dogs, to whom we presented the cheque.”
This donation marks a significant milestone in the BMRA’s history of charity work. Since Burrage became president, the BMRA has raised more than £115,000 for various causes, further cementing the association’s reputation for generosity within the community.
Strengthening Bonds with Guide Dogs
The presentation of the cheque to Guide Dogs was a moment of celebration for both the BMRA and the charity. During the event, Martine Clarke and her guide dog, Willow, were present, offering a firsthand look at the vital work that Guide Dogs does to support people with sight loss.
“We were so pleased to meet Martine and Willow and hear their story,” Burrage added. “It’s incredibly meaningful to see where our donations are going and how they’ll be used to help those in need.”
Ruth Norman, a representative from Guide Dogs, was also present to accept the donation. She expressed her gratitude for the BMRA’s ongoing support, highlighting the difference that the raised funds will make for people across the UK who are living with sight loss.
A Yearly Tradition of Giving
The BMRA’s efforts don’t stop here. This annual tradition of supporting charitable causes showcases the power of community and collective giving. The money raised for Guide Dogs is just one example of how the association is dedicated to making a difference.
Mandy Loveder, local community fundraising relationship manager for Guide Dogs, said, “It has been a delight to work alongside Kate and the amazing members of BMRA, and we are very grateful for their help in raising such a large sum of money that will go towards helping people with sight loss across the UK.”
This partnership between the BMRA and Guide Dogs represents the very best of corporate social responsibility. By supporting a cause that helps people live more independently, BMRA is contributing to a broader effort to make the UK more inclusive and accessible for people with visual impairments.
The Ripple Effect of Charitable Actions
The impact of the BMRA’s fundraiser extends beyond the immediate gift of a trained guide dog. The donation will play a part in empowering individuals with sight loss to navigate their daily lives with greater confidence and independence. Guide Dogs provides a life-changing service, and the BMRA’s contribution will help ensure that more people across the UK benefit from this support.
Through events like these, the BMRA sets an example of how industries can come together for a common cause. It’s not just about raising money—it’s about raising awareness and showing that every small act of kindness can make a difference.
