Christmas Charity Auction

Man’s best friend is about to get the star quality treatment with a new campaign from Dogs for the Disabled. Dozens of celebrities and famous artists have responded to an appeal for a sketch of their favourite canine friend and the charity is now planning an auction of the top pictures in order to raise vital funds.

The charity launched its ‘Draw a Dog’ campaign earlier this year and invited celebrities to take a moment of their time to draw either a real or imaginary dog. Since the launch, pictures have been rolling in and include works from the likes of the Liverpool Football Squad, Laurence Llewelyn Bowen, Lord Heseltine, Terry Wogan and Joanna Lumley. World-renowned artists also got the bug and works by Tracy Emin, Antony Gormley and Craigie Aitchison are amongst the drawings being auctioned.



Tickets for the auction, which will take place on the evening of December 1st at The Kennel Club (where else?!), Piccadilly, London, are already on sale from Dogs for the Disabled and the charity is sure there will be a great demand for tickets and pictures. The charity says the drawings will make an unusual and very special gift for a loved one this Christmas. The Kennel Club Gallery will be offering a viewing of all the works of art from November 21st to 25th.



Peter Gorbing, chief executive of Dogs for the Disabled, is excited about the auction; “We have been delighted with the response to the ‘Draw your Dog’ campaign and we have received some extremely creative efforts from lots of celebrities – so, whether you dream of owning an original Tracey Emin, or have always been a big fan of Eastenders, there is something for everyone. On a more serious note, all the money raised on the night will help us train more of our inspirational partnerships between disabled person and their assistance dog.”

Dogs for the Disabled is a pioneering charity that trains dogs to help disabled adults and children with practical everyday tasks such as opening and closing doors, turning on and off light switches, helping people undress, even emptying the washing machine. To date over 330 dogs have been trained to help disabled people. To find out more about Dogs for the Disabled visit the website on www.dogsforthedisabled.org. Tickets for the event cost £35.00 each and can be ordered from Dogs for the Disabled on 08700 776600.