Ken & Madeline Thomas
"It was a fitting tribute to our lovely daughter and her wonderful attitude to life!" "We lost our daughter Sarah at just 30 years old. She was such a lovely girl and full of the joys of life - never letting her own health problems take over. In fact, even though her visual impairment meant she couldn't realise her dream of becoming a dentist, she still managed to qualify as a Dental nurse, and in record time. We really wanted to do something special for her. That's why we set up a Tribute Fund and used the money to name and fund five guide dog puppies in her memory. It's marvellous, because anyone who knew her can pay their own special mark of respect by making a contribution. Sarah would have been so pleased to know that these cute little pups might one day go on to give someone the freedom and happiness she cherished so much."
Frequently Asked Questions about Tribute Funds
Can you send me more information about Tribute Funds?
Yes, we've put together a special information pack about how to set up a Tribute Fund in memory of a loved one.
To request your copy, follow this link.
How does it work?
You ask us to establish a Tribute Fund in honour of a friend or relative. You can then make donations into the Fund as you wish. Whether you want to donate a collection
from a funeral, or funds raised at a special sponsored event, you can pay the money directly into the Tribute Fund. Other friends and relatives can make donations into
the Fund as well, for instance on significant dates or by a regular Direct Debit. We make sure that the Tribute Fund coordinator is kept informed and knows how much
has been raised for the Fund and how Guide Dogs is using the money.
Can I use a Tribute Fund to raise money to Name a Puppy?
Yes. Many of our supporters have used a Tribute Fund to collectively raise the £5,000 needed to Name a Puppy in memory of a loved one.
There are two different options for setting up a Tribute Fund online. What’s the difference?
We have partnered up with two in memoriam fundraising websites where you can easily set up a web page to share memories with friends and family, and enable
people to donate directly into the Tribute Fund. The Justgiving website allows you to set up a free fundraising page to collect donations from friends and family.
The MuchLoved website has more of a commemorative function, allowing you to share memories of your loved one as well as make donations.
Why should I set up a Tribute Fund?
It's a permanent, lasting tribute to someone special in your life. Anyone who wants to can honour their memory by making a contribution. Over time the Fund will
grow, building up to a meaningful and practical resource that can help to change the lives of blind and partially-sighted people.
What happens to the money?
The money raised will go towards training the next generation of guide dogs, helping to transform the lives of visually impaired people across the UK. The guide dog
service receives no statutory or government funding and totally relies on the generosity of the public to continue its work.
Why do some people create a Tribute Fund online?
Putting a Tribute Fund online makes it easy for people to give in memory of a loved one. So for example, if you have friends and relatives spread across the UK,
all they need is access to a PC to make a donation. Putting a Fund online also means that people can share memories of their loved one online.
please call the team on 0845 603 1477 or
email us at giftsinmemory@guidedogs.org.uk
