Community rallies to raise cash for cause

There were stalls, activities, games and a dog show at Silver Lining Convergence’s office in Whiteley Lane, Whiteley.

The day – organised by staff at Silver Lining – saw hundreds of people attend and raised hundreds of pounds for Canine Partners.

Managing director Allan Packer said the day was a success and that he was proud of the hard work put in by his team.

He said: ‘It was very busy. We saw more than 500 people throughout the day.

‘The whole team was ecstatic with how successful it had been. We are lucky to have a great team who are committed to raising money for such great causes.’

The event was supported by Not For Cats, a specialist dog deli in Whiteley, and Hamble Hounds, a dog training company in Hamble-le-Rice.

Annette Bowcott, from Hamble Hounds, said: ‘It was a great day out for a great charity.’

Canine Partners’ community fundraiser Jenny Dwyer-Ward thanked the firm for their support.

She said: ‘We’re incredibly grateful to Silver Lining Convergence for holding such a fantastic event and raising so much money for Canine Partners.

‘We receive no government funding so we rely on money raised through events like these to fund the training of our amazing assistance dogs.

‘The money raised will mean we can train even more assistance dogs to help with everyday tasks and support people with physical disabilities while boosting their confidence and independence.’

The firm has held previous charity fundraisers for a variety of good causes, and it won the Community Contribution award at The News Business Excellence Awards in 2016.