Taunton volunteer at Guide Dogs pop-up shop celebrates 50 years of fundraising

Dave Arney, who lives in Taunton, has been volunteering as a fundraiser for Guide Dogs for 50 years. Most recently, at the Taunton pop-up shop which is currently open in the Orchard Shopping Centre. On Friday (6th December), Dave and volunteers from the Taunton fundraising group were visited at the shop by Guide Dogs Chief Executive Andrew Lennox.

Now in its fourth year, the shop is run entirely by volunteers to raise much-needed funds for the sight loss charity. It’s become a popular fixture with shoppers in the run-up to Christmas, raising almost £40,000 over the past three years.

Andrew Lennox, Chief Executive at Guide Dogs, recently stopped by to see the shop for himself, and thank Dave and everyone from the group. They were joined by guide dog owners, and a family with their retired guide dog, demonstrating the important work that the shop helps fund.

Dave was introduced to Guide Dogs back in 1974, after meeting his wife-to-be Sylvia, then a guide dog owner. He soon became treasurer for the Taunton fundraising group and has been volunteering and organising events ever since.

Dave said: “Over the years, there’s been so many highlights from volunteering with our wonderful group. From taking over the town with 100 guide dogs for a big street collection, to planting a willow tree in Vivary Park, and attending a Guide Dogs service at Westminster Abbey.

“I’ve seen first-hand the difference a guide dog makes and that’s what’s behind it all. We’re delighted that the shop’s been so well supported and is such a success – please come in and visit us if you’re in the area before Christmas.”

Andrew added: “A huge thank you to Dave and the Taunton fundraising group for all the hard work they’ve put into the shop, as well as their other events throughout 2024. What Dave and the group have achieved over the past 50 years is incredible. We really appreciate everything they do.”

Rob Moore, Centre Manager of Orchard Shopping Centre said: “We have been fortunate to support the Taunton team of Guide Dogs since 2021 when they were our ‘charity of the year’. Each November/December we’ve donated space for a fabulous festive Guide Dogs pop-up shop which, through the efforts of their dedicated volunteers, has raised an amazing amount of money for this fantastic charity.”

The shop is in Unit 32 of the Orchard Shopping Centre in a space that has been kindly provided by the Centre. It is open until Saturday 21st December on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm, and sells donated items including kitchenware, puzzles and children’s toys, along with Guide Dogs merchandise such as soft toys, cards and calendars.

To learn more about Guide Dogs, including how you can help by fundraising or volunteering, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help