Post by darcysdad on Dec 31, 2018 13:31:13 GMT
What a year it has been for the Dunton branch of the Greyhound Trust. A year ago with the retirement of Pat our lead volunteer the branch looked as if it was going to close. A number of volunteers decided to keep the branch going with Katie taking on the lead volunteer role.
From a standing start at the beginning of 2018 we had new promotional material made, new gazebos to use at shows, rebranded t-shirts etc. and a new website all in time for the first events in March.
Thanks to the huge effort from our volunteers we have attended record number of events and meet and greets this year, relaunching our contact details on the unsuspecting public who did not know a greyhound was an essential addition to their lives.............. until they met us.
There was a great deal of uncertainty around our kennelling at Dunton as the property had been sold. Maureen and Tom wanted to retire in the spring but they agreed to continue running the kennels until autumn. Much to everyone’s relief new kennelling was found at Pipps Hill. We have now settled in and have a great working relationship with Maggie and John.
Throughout what was an uncertain year we were still homing our greyhounds. This year we have homed over 60 of our hounds which is a fantastic result. Many thanks to all who helped us achieve this tremendous number.
A big thank you goes out to all our volunteers. If you’ve stood in the freezing cold rattling a tin, helped out at a show, arranged a meet and greet, walked our kennel dogs, fostered or run a fundraising event – bring your right hand to your left shoulder and give yourselves a pat on the back. We couldn’t do it without you and all help is gratefully received.
Special thanks go to Summerhill Garden Centre, Swallow Aquatics, Tesco, Morrisons, Pets at Home, Hanging Gardens Nursery, Riverside Garden Centre and Greenbrook Garden Centre for allowing us to hold collections/meet and greets on their premises. As well as collecting money, these meet and greets are so valuable in introducing our dogs to the public and generating interest in retired greyhounds as pets.
Many thanks also to the splendid folk at Greyhound Walks who supplied new winter coats for our kennel dogs – they are lovely coats and the dogs look so smart and cosy in them.
Looking forward to next year we hope to concentrate on homing even more hounds with your continued support.
Have a great new year,
Team Dunton