Chara And intu Trafford Centre Lead The Way

Tereza Pevna | 30th July 2015

Andy Guiel and Delphi from Guide Dogs at intu Trafford Centre infront of the Dolphin Fountain 2 copy

Chara the guide dog puppy and her guide dog friends met shoppers at intu Trafford Centre as the Guide Dogs demonstration team performed an impressive demonstration of obedience giving an insight into how their dogs are trained.

Chara was funded by intu Trafford Centre via its fountain Fund which has contributed over £24K to Guide Dogs over the last 18 months.  Guide Dogs receives no government funding and relies on the generosity of the general public to fund its vital services for blind and partially sighted people.

Chara is the first puppy that intu Trafford Centre has sponsored and will soon be joined by a second puppy which has been funded by the centre’s donations.  Named by staff after the Greek word for joy, 7 month old Chara is currently living with volunteer puppy walkers where she’ll stay until the next stage of training at around 12 months.

Charlotte Brown, Community Development Manager at intu Trafford Centre said: ‘Seeing a display from Delphi, the guide dog and seeing the hard work paying off with such an impressive display of his training and obedience was great and really showcases just how important and invaluable guide dogs are to their owners life.’

Diane Moore, Community Fundraiser for Guide Dogs Manchester said: ‘Thanks to the fantastic donations made by intu Trafford Centre, Chara will go on to provide a life changing partnership to a blind or partially sighted person.  We’re looking forward to starting work with the next puppy and helping to transform another person’s life.‘