Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Staff from builders merchant Ridgeons met the guide dog that the Kelvedon branch helped sponsor through fundraising activities for Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.
The branch has been raising money for the charity since 2007 and reached its target of £5,000 in 2011 – allowing Ridgeons to sponsor its own puppy. Fundraising activities have included Grand Prix and Eurovision sweepstakes and a mammoth branch raffle.
The name Bonzo was chosen as it was the name of the founder of Ridgeons, Cyril Ridgeons’ own dog.
Sandra Ellingham, from the branch who helped to organise the fundraising events, said: “In 2007 we raised over £2,000 for the charity and we soon realised that we could raise enough money to sponsor our own guide dog. With a lot of hard work we raised enough money in 2011, our Centenary year, to sponsor our own Ridgeons guide dog.
“We first met Bonzo when he was just 14 weeks old, so were delighted to have him visit us again today to see how well he is developing.2
Bonzo, born on 17th May 2011, was accompanied during his visit by his puppy walker, Chris Pinder.
Front (from left to right), Chris Pinder, Bonzo and Sandra Ellingham. Back, Ridgeons staff (l to r), Gordon Ridgeon, Amanda Ridgeon, Brian Day and Johnnie Sam.
