Sheffield Freemasons pay for Support Dog that will help a child

A Sheffield assistance dogs charity has received funding for a Labrador puppy from city Freemasons.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Ivanhoe Lodge, which meets at Tapton Hall in Crosspool, has given £20,000 to Support Dogs, which will pay for the two-year specialised training of the dog – named Ivanhoe.

Support Dogs provides autism assistance dogs for children with autism, seizure alert dogs for people with epilepsy and disability assistance dogs for people with a range of conditions.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ivanhoe will be trained as an autism assistance dog to provide safety and companionship and help to bring independence and a more socially inclusive life to both the child and their family.

Labrador puppy, Ivanhoe, with his foster parents who are providing vital, initial training in his first monthsLabrador puppy, Ivanhoe, with his foster parents who are providing vital, initial training in his first months
Labrador puppy, Ivanhoe, with his foster parents who are providing vital, initial training in his first months

Autism assistance dogs are shown to reduce stress for family members, promote positive changes in behaviour, provide comfort for children with autism when upset and reduce behavioural outbursts. They are also trained to keep a child safe using a wide range of methods.

John Clague, one of the trustees of Ivanhoe Lodge, said: “Thanks to a sizeable legacy from the estates of the late Percy and Mary Parramore, we have been able to financially support this fantastic charity, and what Support Dogs do is simply inspirational.

“W Bro Percy Parramore was a highly respected Past Master of the Ivanhoe Lodge, and he and his sister, Mary, were lifelong supporters of local charities, especially those associated with Freemasonry and scouting.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m delighted that we are in a position to fund a new Support Dogs puppy, which has been called Ivanhoe in honour of our Lodge, and we look forward to hearing about his progress in the coming weeks, months and years.”

John added: “Charity is one of Freemasonry’s three founding principles. Last year, the legacy allowed us to purchase a new motorbike for the Whiteknights Yorkshire Blood Bikes, as well as pay for its running costs for three years.

“I’m proud to be a Freemason and incredibly proud of the support of we are able to offer to community groups in and around the Sheffield area.”

David Heugh, Support Dogs’ partnerships' ambassador, said: “I would like to say a massive thank you to Ivanhoe Lodge for this wonderful donation.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It takes up to two years and approximately £20,000 to train a Support Dogs partnership. We then provide ongoing support 24/7, 365 days a year throughout an average eight-year working career.

“Whilst we don’t receive any Government funding, we provide all of our services entirely free of charge to those in need of them.

“Without funding from the likes of Ivanhoe Lodge, we would not be able to provide the services that we do, to families and individuals throughout England, Scotland and Wales.”

Further information about the Freemasons Province of Yorkshire West Riding can be found at: http://www.wrprovince.org.uk/

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Support Dogs would be delighted to hear from other Lodges who may interested in supporting and more information is available from its website, https://www.supportdogs.org.uk/

Thank you to all who support local journalism with a digital or print subscription to The Star. The events of 2020 mean trusted, local journalism is more reliant than ever on your support. We couldn't do it without you. Subscribe here www.thestar.co.uk/subscriptions so we can keep campaigning on your behalf. Stay safe.

Related topics: