Puppy lounge returns to York

Posted on 12 May 2015

The University of York’s Halifax College will host a second event where students can interact with dogs and puppies to relieve exam stress, in association with the charity Guide Dogs.

Following on from 2014’s success, in which over £620 was raised, the event will be held on Wednesday 13 May from 10.00am - 3.00pm at JJ's in Halifax College.

Designed to give students a break from studies for their final examinations and provide dogs and puppies with essential socialisation skills, the event will raise money for Guide Dogs. Staff will also be on hand to provide students with information on volunteering opportunities and ways they can get involved.

Peter Osborne, Guide Dogs Mobility Team Manager, York resident and guide dog owner, said: “It’s fantastic that University of York students have agreed to carry out some fund-raising for us. Guide Dogs receive no Government funding, so we are reliant on people giving their time to raise the money needed to provide our life changing services.

“We believe that a dog can make a remarkable difference in any person’s life through companionship and the human-animal bond. I hope that the students will find their time with our extraordinary dogs a comfort during this stressful time of year!”

Danielle Maxwell, a graduate student at York’s Centre for Women’s Studies, Halifax College Tutor and organiser of the event, said: "It is fantastic that we are able to welcome back Guide Dogs to Halifax College. It has been one of the most talked about events from last year among the students. This year, we hope students once again get the opportunity to learn about this organisation, how they can help and enjoy interacting with guide dogs and their owners."

Oleg Lisagor, Halifax College Provost, added: "The event is a unique opportunity for discussing volunteering and fundraising. We hope the students feel inspired and learn more about the third sector while receiving a bit of a revision break during this busy time. The event reached full capacity last year and we hope to see the same this time around."

Further information:

About Guide Dogs: “Every hour, another person in the UK goes blind. When someone loses their sight, we’re here to make sure they don’t lose their freedom as well. Guide Dogs provide a range of mobility services and works to break down barriers so that blind and partially sighted people can get out and about on their own terms.” For more information about Guide Dogs visit: http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/ or contact Engagement Officer Suzanne Allott on 0845 372 7414 or suzanne.allott@guidedogs.org.uk
For further information about the event, please contact organiser Danielle Maxwell on 07880 182 774 or dm874@york.ac.uk