Special visit for the Doghouse Sanctuary

Last week they reaped the benefits of this support as the Lidl Community Crew visited them in on Lisnaree Road in Banbridge.

The crew presented the group with funding to buy dog food for all the dogs in their care.

The Lidl Community Works initiative launched in June of this year and will see Lidl Northern Ireland backing local community groups and projects from all over the province to the value of £200,000.

Lidl had the help of a star studded judging panel, including Rory Best and Zoe Salmon, who had the difficult task of choosing the final 32 groups from over 2,000 nominations.

After the visit from the crew, Doghouse Sanctuary spokesperson, Gillian McFadden, said, “We are thrilled to have been chosen as one of the final groups.

“We’ve been preventing unwanted dogs from being unnecessarily destroyed in the local community for 39 years and it feels great to be recognised for our efforts.

“We are so thankful to Lidl for this opportunity and we’re really excited about the new prospects their donation will help us to fulfil.”

Natasha McCartan from the Lidl Community Crew was proud to be taking part in the campaign, “This is the stage we’ve all been waiting for – the chance to get out and about into the heart of communities right across Northern Ireland to see first-hand the great work that each of the groups has been doing in their local areas.

“We’re delighted to be able to give something back to those that need it most and hopefully this support will help them out on their journey.”

The Doghose Sanctuary rescue dogs that are destined to be destroyed by local councils and help re-home and rehabilitate dogs.

The final projects selected range from dance academies and musicians, nursing homes and crafters, and everything in between. The full list of 32 projects can be found at www.lidl-ni.co.uk.