It’s
the "Dogathon"
"A
mass sponsored walk with a difference". That’s how
Christchurch charity The Wessex Autistic Society is describing
The Domino Appeal "Dogathon" which will take place
at Godshill near Fordingbridge in Hampshire on Sunday March
14th. The event, which will start from The Fighting Cocks
pub at Godshill at 10.30am, is attracting a lot of interest
from local dog owners. Entry is just £3 per person or
£6 per couple and walkers will be invited to seek sponsorship
for their efforts and all you need to enter is, of course,
a dog!
There will be two walks to choose from, both through the spectacular
scenery of the New Forest, with a short walk (approximately
1 hour) for those unable to undertake the full event (approximately
2 hours) or who perhaps have dogs with little legs, and all
participants in both walks will receive a memento of the walk
and a doggy "goody bag". Supported by pet superstore
chain Pets at Home, The Fighting Cocks at Godshill, Oscar
Pet Foods and local dog groomer’s Super Clean Dogs the
event promises to be a huge success with the organisers hoping
to stage one of the largest mass dogs walks ever in the UK.
"We thought it would be a fundraising event with a difference,"
said the Society’s Mike Denny. "We are always looking
for new ideas and felt that this would give an opportunity
for all dog lovers locally to help our appeal and get them
and their dogs some exercise all at the same time." Entry
forms are available for collection from the sponsors or you
can telephone the fundraising team at The Wessex Autistic
Society on 01202 483360 or e-mail m.denny@twas.org.uk
The Domino Appeal is The Wessex Autistic Society's fundraising
campaign to complete the building of the new Portfield School
in Parley Lane at Hurn, Near Christchurch. The project commenced
building on October 1st 2001 and the first phase (the main
school building and a residential house) was completed in
October 2002 at a cost of £2.8M and opened by HRH The
Princess Royal in November 2002. Fundraising is now underway
for Phase 2, which has a target of £1.6M and the total,
raised to date stands at £624,860. The second phase
will consist of two further residential houses, a respite
care bungalow and a therapy swimming pool. Building of a second
residential house was completed in October 2003. Further information
on the society, autism and the new school project can be obtained
from Mike Denny, Community Fundraising & PR Officer, The
Wessex Autistic Society, 22 Bargates, Christchurch, BH23 1QL.
Tel: (01202) 483360, Mobile: (07766) 526258, Home (01425)
655973 or e-mail: m.denny@twas.org.uk
