Pooch-related designs see Stevenage indie raise money for Labrador charity
Greeting card publishers helped Cardies raise money for an animal charity and boost the profile of greeting cards at Stevenage’s recent Old Town Live festival.
Known for her love of Labradors with her Ponks posse of furry meeters and greeters, shop owner Jo Sorrell joined in the festival fun last weekend by setting up a dog-friendly area – and she took advantage of The Henries Awards judging session to help out.
“People have Instagram frames at events for people to take and post photos so we had created a Pooch Photo frame with accessories so people could dress up their pets if they wanted,” Jo told PG Buzz. “I covered the frame in fabulous dog cards – many of which I gathered after The Henries judging!”
While Jo said the festival and other such events don’t bring in a lot of money directly for Cardies and its fellow retailers because people are interested in the festival not shopping, she recognised: “You have to work with them, so I decided to set up a dog-friendly zone with treats and a water station, and a teddy bear tombola, all raising money for Labrador Rescue South East & Central. And there was a dog hamper for the best paw-trait.”
Jo sent her thanks to PG for supplying the wonderful array of dog designs from publishers who were among The Henries shortlisted entries, which she spotted when judging the greeting card product awards.
The frame was adorned with cards from GBCC’s Dog House by Christian Vieler and Darkroom, Cardology’s Battersea, Woodmansterne’s Loose Leashes and Country Life, Gruff Pawtraits, Bewilderbeest, Cinnamon Aitch’s Margo Loves, Abacus’ BBC Countryfile, Lil Wabbit’s Street Vet, and Kitty Kenda. With plenty of gorgeous doggie models, Jo had a hard task deciding on the winner, and ended up taking votes through her Facebook page.
Eventually announcing the winner of the Pooch Photo frame competition as lurcher Winter, Jo added: “Both Winter and her owner have had a tough few months but, fingers crossed, they’re slowly getting back on track. Both are always so kind and always smiling so they’re deserving winners.”
The dog-friendly fun raised £100 for the Labrador charity, as part of the annual Old Town Live music event which had 90 acts at 11 locations.
