Staff, visitors and dog-lovers were joined by Nottinghamshire Police Commissioner Paddy Tipping for the official opening of the new Jerry Green Dog Rescue centre in Blidworth.

On Sunday 23^rd August VIPs and their rescue dogs were invited to a breakfast reception at the new £1.75 million eco-friendly centre ahead of the opening ceremony.

At the ceremony CEO Jacqui Bell thanked all of the supporters for their donations and the staff for their dedication throughout the building process.

Jacqui said: “We couldn’t have built this amazing eco centre without the support we’ve received from our donors. It is because of you that we will be able to help many more dogs in the future as they look for their forever homes.”

The £1.75 million building boasts solar panels and a biomass boiler which will help it run in a much more eco-friendly way as it provides accommodation for up to 27 dogs at any time, as the charity finds them permanent and loving homes.

During a tour of the new facilities Paddy Tipping, Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “The new centre is fabulous. What impressed me was the quality of the building, the professional and caring nature of the staff and the support of this band of donors.

“The charity was lucky enough to receive over £50,000 in donations from local supporters and businesses, whose names can be found on the recognition wall in reception, alongside Petplan, Support Adoption for Pets and Pedigree, who provided grants worth £26,000.”

The ceremony kicked off a day of celebrations and fundraising as the annual summer show took place on the large fields surrounding the centre. Hundreds of people and their dogs visited the centre to see the new facility, have a look at the stalls and take part in the fun dog show.

A highlight of the day was Jerry Green kennel welfare assistant Simone Dewis braving the shave to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support and Jerry Green Dog Rescue.

Inspired by the bravery of her aunt, Helen Jordan, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer, Simone decided to get involved in the campaign to raise money for two charities close to her heart.

Visitors attending the summer show watched as Simone’s hair was cut down and then shaved off. Her fundraising efforts have already secured £519.31 for Macmillan and £384.31 for Jerry Green Dog Rescue.

Simone’s hair will now be donated to the Little Princess Trust, a charity which provides real hair wigs for children suffering hair loss following cancer treatment.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• Jerry Green Dog Rescue, Warsop Lane, Blidworth, Nottinghamshire, NG21 0PG
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue was founded in 1961 in Broughton, Lincolnshire and is now one of the UK’s largest dog rescue charities.
• Jerry Green Dog Rescue has a caring ethos which puts the dogs in its care at the centre of everything it does. It also operates a policy whereby prospective adopters are introduced to dogs in a neutral environment away from the kennel, resulting in less stress for the dog and increasing the chances of permanent homes being found.
• The adoption process at Jerry Green Dog Rescue involves a number of introductory visits and the rehoming team provide pre and post adoption support to ensure the move to the dog’s new home is as smooth as possible.
• The charity receives no Government or National Lottery funding. This means it is dependent on the generosity of public and corporate donors/sponsors.

For media information please contact:
Kerri Saxby
Shooting Star
01522 528540
kerri@weareshootingstar.co.uk
@shootingstarpr