Emily and Rikke's Mission of Kindness fundraising for Guide Dogs is a huge success with a show of support around the world
Emily Hogg, an eight-year-old pupil from Linlithgow Primary School, has been handmaking bracelets with her Mum Rikke. Their bracelets, in adult and children's sizes, have been selling throughout the year with the help of local businesses and organisations. All money from bracelet sales being donated to their chosen causes - Guide Dogs, Linlithgow Primary School and The Walk For Jock.
Emily and Rikke's mission of kindness has been hugely successful, raising a phenomenal £869.24 for their chosen causes.
£286.10 was raised for Emily's school Linlithgow Primary, from bracelet sales at Sage-Hair Alchemy's salon in Linlithgow. £553.14 was raised for Guide Dogs from bracelet sales at Westport Vets’ Linlithgow branch. Bracelet sales also raised £61 at Westport Vets fundraising stalls with The Walk For Jock who sold them at the Linlithgow Street Fair in May and the Linlithgow Funday event in June. Emily and Rikke also donated £30 from bracelet sales to The Walk For Jock.
The Walk for Jock The Walk For Jock (TWFJ) is an unregistered banner charity - meaning all fundraising profits are given to local good causes. The Walk For Jock raises money for a multitude of charities - all year round. They also work tirelessly supporting other locals, individuals, groups, schools and organisations, raising money for their chosen charities.
Rikke Hogg says: “It has blown my mind entirely that something so small has had such a big impact! We never set out with a target in mind – even a few pounds would have been amazing. The fact that we’ve now raised over £800 has blown our minds.”
Emily Hogg says: “When I found out how much money we raised it made me really happy and made me smile.”
Davie 'deep sea' Paterson, Team leader The Walk for Jock, says: Emily and Rikke's acts of kindness and thoughtfulness are an inspiration. The Walk for Jock are proud to be associated with this wonderful duo."
Carena Schmid RVN, Community Development Nurse at Westport Veterinary Clinic Linlithgow and Guide Dogs Volunteer says:
“Emily and Rikke's bracelets have been hugely popular with our clients! So many people have chosen to show their support to Guide Dogs with a bracelet. The bracelets are beautifully made, great quality items and a bargain at just a few pounds each. Since we started earlier this year I have literally been topping up bracelet stock on a weekly basis and the children’s selection has been a big hit over the summer holidays.
The public have been sharing photos of them wearing their bracelets in aid of Guide Dogs to show their support for Emily and Rikke's Mission of Kindness. Bracelets being worn by local residents to residents from around the world - from the Scottish Highlands to southern England, Germany, Spain, Dubai, the Cayman Islands, and across parts of Asia.
Rikke says: “I was looking to make a bracelet for myself as I had seen on Instagram how easy it was to do, and then I started making more and more. They’re very quick to do, so probably takes around 15 mins or so per bracelet. Emily was very interested in the type of beads and colours that I used, so I quickly started going to her for inspiration. There are only so many bracelets one person can use, so I reached out to Carena to get some inspiration as to where I could sell these.”
“There were a couple of reasons for selling these for charity and fundraising in general. A few months ago, there was also a call that went out to parents of Emily’s school to get involved in fundraising for the school. Because I travel a lot for work, I am unable to commit the time that is needed, so I thought the best way I could support would be through fundraising and saw this as an opportunity to collect money for the school.”
“The charity piece for Guide Dogs was really only possible through Westport Vets and their willingness to let us sell the bracelets in their clinic. The Guide Dogs charity was chosen as it obviously has a clear link to the vet, but also because it’s a smaller charity that really has such a huge impact on someone’s life.”
On Friday 7th August everyone who has been a part of Emily and Rikke's Mission of Kindness journey got together at Linlithgow Primary School to congratulate Emily and Rikke on their fundraising achievements.
They were joined by some very special guests, Guide Dog puppies in training and their volunteer puppy handlers. The group enjoyed a waggy-tailed afternoon, spending time with each of the pups. They learned about all of the valuable work, training, and dedication that gets put into each puppy's development and on their journey to becoming a working Guide Dog.
Laura Baillie, Linlithgow Primary School Head Teacher, says: "Well done to Emily for all of her fantastic fundraising! We are so proud of Emily for her contribution, raising money for the school community and for Guide Dogs, by selling bracelets that she has made, and for continuing to think of others in this way.“
Emily and Rikke are continuing their mission, bracelets are still available to purchase from Westport Vets Linlithgow, raising money for Guide Dogs. Their fundraising page is also still active if anyone would like to make a donation to Guide Dogs:
Guide Dogs are always welcoming volunteers to get involved with fundraising and puppy raising - you can find out more about all of their volunteering roles on the Guide Dogs website.