FUNDRAISING for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has kicked off once again at an Amblecote supermarket.

After choosing the charity as its supported cause for the second year running, staff at Sainsbury’s Sandringham Way store invited representatives from Hearing Dogs to join them as they re-launched their 12-month fundraising campaign.

Charity volunteers held a tombola and collection at the stall – raising £1,252.43 – and chatted to customers about the unique relationship between hearing dogs and their owners.

Vicky Ryan, Midlands community fundraising manager for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, said: “Thank you to everyone who came to support us at Sainsbury’s Amblecote over the weekend. We’re really excited to have been chosen as the store’s local charity of the year for a second year.

“The partnership will help us to raise the profile of the work we do in the local community even more.”

Staff members at the Sainsbury’s store are currently planning a sponsored walk up Snowdon with charity volunteers to raise more funds to help train future hearing dogs.

After raising £8,941 for the charity over the past 12 months, the store will now be allowed to name and sponsor a hearing dog puppy.

Kevin Healy, store manager, added: “We had a very successful launch for our local charity of the year. I’d like to thank all of our customers for their support on the day and can’t wait to see how the partnership further develops over the next year.”