North-east charity needs your help to support dogs who are homeless this Christmas

A Christmas fair with a heartwarming cause is set to return to the region this festive season.

The event, which boasts an array of stalls, tombola's, raffles and games, promises fun for the whole family as it makes its annual comeback. But beyond spreading holiday joy, this one-day event has a significant purpose - raising funds to support dogs spending their year in a shelter.

Dogs Trust Darlington is busily preparing to welcome visitors to the Festive Fair at the rehoming centre on Saturday, November 30. All proceeds from the Christmas Fair will directly benefit the dogs, and attendees will also have the chance to meet dogs currently up for adoption.

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Running from 11am to 4pm, guests can peruse various craft and food stalls, or unwind in the Christmas Café with a hot drink and a mince pie or two. Dogs Trust also encourages visitors to bring their own dogs along to meet 'Santa-Paws' and snap a photo with the big man himself.

With only a few weeks left until the Sadberge-based rehoming centre hosts this beloved festive event, staff are seeking donations, including unwanted gifts, toiletries, trinkets, new dog toys, alcohol, chocolates or biscuits for its tombola's. Dogs Trust Darlington is also calling for larger donations suitable for raffle prizes, reports Chronicle Live.

Gordon Norrie, Supporter Relations Officer at Dogs Trust Darlington, expressed excitement about their seasonal fundraising event: "The Christmas Fair is a key fundraising event for us and it's always a special day. We look forward to welcoming everyone along to the rehoming centre for a festive, fun-filled afternoon."

He also shared how the funds are used: "All the money raised at the Christmas Fair will go directly to supporting the dogs in our care. It's a wonderful way to raise pounds for hounds whilst getting in the Christmas spirit."

Visitors can enjoy free entry and parking on the day. The trust also encourages donations, inviting people to drop goodies off at Dogs Trust Darlington, Hill House Lane, Sadberge, County Durham, DL2 1SL or contact Gordon via email at gordon.norrie@dogstrust.org.uk.

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