Boost for dog fund
Second Name A Puppy campaign now in full swing
Blairgowrie fundraisers launched a range of designer gifts to boost their Guide Dog campaign at Cargill’s Restaurant and Bistro, on Lower Mill Street on Friday.
Branch volunteer Deirdre McVean explained: “This is in aid of Discover Blairgowrie’s second Name a Puppy appeal and people can vote for their favourite name from Berry, Blair, Bluebell, Cargill, Newton, and Rattray. The first puppy will be called Bramble.”
The range of hats, scarves, headbands, and tea cosies were knitted by local knitters in Blairgowrie and Rattray, Alyth, and Kirkmichael – co-ordinated by Jessie McLean from the town’s VisitScotland Tourist Information Centre.
The goods will be available from this week at Cargill’s, the One Voice Shop in Upper Mill Street, and at the tourist information centre in the Wellmeadow.
Praising the efforts of the knitters, Deirdre added: “It costs £5000 for the first year of the puppy’s life and £50,000 for its whole life, of which the training costs over £20,000, and all support is greatly appreciated.”
Deirdre was accompanied at the launch by her 11-year-old retired Guide Dog, Sadie.
She continued: “We are grateful to Lesley and Ronnie McDonald, proprietors of Cargill’s Restaurant and Bistro, for their valuable support and allowing the launch in their premises, and their children who modelled the items – Harris, Max, and Remy, and staff member Victoria Priest.
“So far we have raised nearly £1000 and a fundraising event in aid of the fund will be held at Cargill’s on Saturday, December 3, from 3pm to 4.30pm.
“It is another Meet the Maker event, this time with the focus on food and drink.”