A Twelve Guide Dogs of Christmas calendar is hoped to boost funds for a local charity that helps blind and partially sighted people.

The Coronavirus pandemic has led to a £6,000 funding shortfall for the Dover, Deal and Sandwich branch of Guide Dogs and its branch chairwoman hopes the campaign will help bridge the gap.

Liz Sykes said: "With fundraising being at a practical stop, it’s been hard for the branch.

"We are going to be about £6,000 down on last year so I’m attempting to get some more funds in the pot with a Guide Dogs national fundraiser."

From December 1 to 12, Guide Dogs will be featuring 12 of their amazing fundraising dogs on the 12 Guide Dogs of Christmas Advent Calendar.

The drive aims to raise enough money for 12 guide dogs. It can be promoted locally and all the money collected by the branch can go in the local pot helping those in the area.

Deal's volunteers and four-legged fundraisers are among those from more than 400 groups are coming together for the campaign.

Anyone interested in supporting the 12 Guide Dogs of Christmas Collection should go to the website by clicking here where they can make a donation, get involved by organising their own festive fundraiser and see the 12 Guide Dogs of Christmas Advent Calendar.

With seasonal resources available including Christmas e cards, virtual quiz packs with a Celebrity Sound Round and kid’s ‘Doggy in the Window’ colouring sheets for creating festive window displays at home, there are plenty of ways to join in the fun safely and virtually.

The Dover, Deal and Sandwich branch of the charity is a former charity of the year of our sister papers the East Kent Mercury and Dover Mercury.

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