You Are Here : DOGS ON THE CATWALK RAISE OVER £110,000
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DOGS ON THE CATWALK RAISE OVER £110,000
Canine Partners held a glittering fashion show on 18 November at St Mary’s in London and raised in excess of £100,000 – a staggering amount from one event. Gracing the catwalk were professional models including Tiffany Pisani, the winner of Living TV’s Britain’s Next Top Model, showing off the newest fashions supplied by Debenhams, alongside trained assistance dogs showing off their skills in helping people with disabilities. Fashion expert Caryn Franklin hosted the fundraising event which included an auction that featured a dress donated by Hollywood actress Helena Bonham Carter, and designerwear by Caroline Castigliano, Ben de Lisi and Royal couturier Lindka Cierach.
The show was created by the fashion team from C4’s How To Look Good Naked, including celebrity make up artists and hair by influential hair stylist Charles Worthington, and the famous Gokettes took part along with Shannon Murray, the first disabled model to star in an advertising campaign run by a high street store, and Kelly Knox, winner of BBC3’s Britain’s Missing Top Model. Alongside the professional models on the catwalk, a selection of the Charity’s working assistance dogs took part in sketches to illustrate some of the tasks they are trained to perform to help their disabled owners including taking money from a cash machine, undressing their human partner, and fetching help in an emergency.
Ben de Lisi, who donated one of his designs for the auction, said: “I was delighted to be involved with this unique and innovative event which combined the beauty and elegance of the fashion world with the skills and training of Canine Partners assistance dogs. I am thrilled the dress that I donated for the auction raised several hundred pounds.” Royal couturier, Lindka Cierach, who attended the event, said: “I was delighted to support Canine Partners and the fantastic quality of life that they bring to all forms of disability throughout the UK. I love my dog and know that the relationship between humans and dogs is so deep, loyal, loving and giving.”
The evening began with a drinks reception followed by the fashion show itself. The guests then watched a short film about the Charity, before the auction and silent auction got underway hosted by Henry Allsopp. Auction items include etchings and art pieces from friends of the late artist Craigie Aitchison RA, plus a couple of etchings kindly donated by Craigie’s estate. Also available in the auction were a commission painting by royal portrait artist Basia Hamilton; beautiful dresses donated by Lindka Cierach and Caroline Castigliano; a dress worn and donated by Hollywood actress Helena Bonham Carter; a Dog Tag necklace especially designed for this event and donated by renowned fashion jewellery designer Claudia Bradby, plus some beautiful Robinson Pellham earrings.
Isabel Campbell, director of fundraising and marketing for Canine Partners, says: “The aim of Dogs, Rocks and Frocks was to raise significant funds whilst placing the Charity and its work in front of a new audience, and we are delighted with the outcome of the event. We are indebted to the generosity, not only of the production team, but of everyone who has donated fantastic auction items, including many once-in-a-lifetime lots. Funds raised from this event will allow us to train many more canine partners to meet ever-increasing demand for our dogs.”
Among the guests on the night enjoying the glitz and glamour were General Sir Richard Dannatt, former Chief of the General Staff, who endorses the Charity’s aims to place dogs with injured servicemen and women returning from active duty in Afghanistan and other places of conflict.
The cost of each canine partner from selection as a puppy through to the end of its working life is £20,000, but the independence and confidence that dog gives to its human partner is priceless. Kate Cross, with her canine partner Byron, was one of the partnerships that took part on the catwalk, with Byron demonstrating how he helps Kate with her washing – unloading the washing machine then pulling the washing basket to the washing line and passing the pegs to Kate. About Byron, Kate says: “I have not just benefited from the practical help Byron has given, I actually feel like a totally different person since we were partnered together. I have a purpose in life. I can now live a more ordinary life thanks to a very extraordinary dog – my canine partner, Byron.”
Lorna Marsh and her canine partner Eli was also on the catwalk and took part in a sketch entitled Ladies Who Lunch, with Eli helping Lorna by picking up items that she dropped as she was getting ready to go out for lunch. Another partnership – Kayleigh Aris with Kris – modelled clothes suitable for walking the dog, and showed how Kris helps her on a daily basis by steadying her as she walks along.
Canine Partners would like to sincerely thank all those who helped to make this show the huge success it was.
General Sir Richard Dannatt with Lorna Marsh and Canine Partner Eli (photo courtesy of Ron Coulter)
Tiffany Pisani, winner of Living TV’s Britain’s next Top Model with canine partner puppy Zia and Caryn Franklin (photo by Honor at glossphotos.co.uk)
Canine Partners Trainers Ann Fennell (front) with demo dog Erin and Claire Anthony (back) with demo dog Doyle; Ann and Erin (photo by Honor at glossphotos.co.uk)
Canine Partners for Independence. Registered in England No. 2516146. Charity Commission Registered No. 803680. Scottish Registered Charity No. SCO39050
