When longstanding club member Helen Morris passed away recently, she left a generous £20,000 bequest for use at the discretion of the Rotary Club of Banbury.
After careful and lengthy discussion, it was agreed that the funds should be divided between two charities, allowing each to benefit from a genuinely significant uplift. One organisation that Helen would undoubtedly have approved of is Dogs for Good, who today received a cheque for £10,000 to support their remarkable work.
A well‑attended Dogs for Good Open Day offered an excellent opportunity to learn more about how the charity has evolved. Originally focused on supporting people with physical disabilities, the organisation now also helps individuals who face challenges navigating the world for a wide range of reasons, including autism, dementia and other complex health or care needs. At its heart, the charity is about enabling greater independence and fostering stronger connections within families and communities.
The highlight of the event was, inevitably, a dog — whose impressive demonstration included fetching items, removing gloves, opening doors and even adjusting parts of a wheelchair.
A tough act to follow, but President Nigel Randall, supported by Alan Wolstencroft, rose to the occasion, presenting the £10,000 cheque from Helen’s bequest to Dogs for Good CEO Ed Bracher. The donation will help fund the training of a new puppy, which we hope might be named Helen or Morris depending on its gender :)
Talks from a puppy socialiser and an assistance‑dog user added further insight into the life‑changing impact of the charity’s work. It was clear to all present that Helen’s gift will be put to exceptionally good use.