Contractors are more used to putting their minds to building hospitals, schools, universities and offices, than to naming guide dog puppies, but the BAM Construction's North East Sports & Social Club has raised £6,687 in just over a year to name their very own guide dog pup.

The majority of the money (around £5,500) was raised by a staff cycle ride following Le Tour De France Route across Yorkshire, with the rest being made up by holding dress down Fridays at the end of each month.

Following a staff vote, five pup names have already been suggested, the most popular being - no surprises - Bamber.

The sports and social club votes on which charity to support at each year’s Annual General Meeting.  This year the majority voted for Guide Dogs, and we are thrilled to have raised in excess of the £5,000 needed to name our own puppy.  We have been fully supported in our fundraising by regular visits to the office from Guide Dog staff and volunteers who have brought along Guide Dog owners and their dogs.  The visits have been an inspiration to our staff and great fun too!

Martyn Quick

Commercial Manager

We are so grateful to BAM for choosing to support Guide Dogs, and they have been a joy to work with.  It costs £50,000 to support a Guide Dog partnership from the birth of the pup to its retirement and Guide Dogs receives no Government funding for this service. Without the generosity of companies such as BAM we would be unable to support the 4,500 Guide Dog partnerships in the UK.  A name is the first gift a puppy receives and by contributing to naming a puppy they are starting a dog on a journey that will end with it becoming a lifeline to a blind or partially sighted person.  They will hear all about their pup’s progress during it’s initial training and will receive a visit during its puppy walking year.

Debbie Linford

Community Engagement Officer

If you would like to find out how you could Name a Puppy call 0118 983 0190 or email  [email protected]  or you can download a Name A Puppy Brochure (PDF) by visiting their website.