A PARTNERSHIP launch between an Amblecote supermarket and its newly supported charity has raised more than £700 for the cause.

Customers and staff at the Sainsbury’s store in Sandringham Way were able to drum up £712 in support of the new local charity, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People during a weekend of fundraising.

Throughout the weekend, staff held a tombola alongside hearing dog Oakley, who helped raise awareness of the charity’s work, while they also hosted a ‘guess the name of the hearing puppy’.

Vicky Ryan, community fundraising manager for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “We’re very touched by the generosity of Sainsbury’s Amblecote customers and colleagues.

“The money they’ve already raised will really make a difference to us and we look forward to future fundraising events.”

In the run up to the fundraising weekend, hearing dog Harley and his owner Tom Kane, visited the store to talk to staff and customers about the pair’s unique relationship.

Kirsty Rose, store manager, added: “It’s been fantastic to see the way everyone’s pulled together since we started working with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

“We’ve enjoyed coming up with ways to support and volunteer for this very worthy cause and it’s great to think that we’re making a positive difference to so many people.”

The store’s checkout team are now planning a book sale in store, on Friday September 2, and are appealing for any donations of good quality books, board games, jigsaws and children’s DVD’s to be dropped off at customer services by Wednesday, August 31.

Other upcoming fundraising activities will include a ‘sponsor a sound’ event and a staff ‘Barking Bakeoff’ competition.