A charity that provides dogs as assistance animals to people with physical disabilities and children with autism got a £2,300 boost from a Sidmouth shop.
Following the success of its inaugural event in 2015, South West Art staged a second exhibition that invited artists of all ages to showcase their work.
Works were available, unframed and anonymous, so buyers could choose them based purely on aesthetics, rather than any name attached.
There were also signed pieces that were available through sealed bids.
Proceeds totalling £2,375 have now been handed over to Dogs for Good, which works to create partnerships between families living with disability, autism or dementia and specially trained assistance dogs.
Lynsey Pickwell, who owns the Old Fore Street shop with husband Graham, said: “We’re so pleased with the way the event went and how much we managed to raise.
“We want to thank everyone that took part in the event, either in creating their own artwork or in purchasing one for themselves, or just voting for their favourite, spreading word and maybe putting some coins in the pots.
“All being well we will have another similar event in 2019.”
Lynsey invited Sue Ingham and her assistance dog Merlin to the cheque presentation, adding: “Sue very beautifully put it that having the dog has enabled her to become a stroke survivor rather than a stroke victim.
“The charity does an amazing job day and night for their handlers and it is now working with the Alzheimer’s Society to see if they can assist dementia sufferers to enhance their quality of life and make the world safer and less scary and hopefully life easier for them and their families, in a similar way to the work they do for autism suffers and their families.”
Linda Bartlett was the people’s choice award winner, Olivia Middleton took the under-14s’ award and Judith Cummings won the South West Art choice award.
The competition was sponsored by St Cuthberts Mill, Daniel Smith, Daler Rowney and Honiton Garden Centre.
The 2015 competition was held to mark South West Art’s 10th anniversary and netted £3,000 for Dogs for Good.
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