How much is that doggie in the window? Pug-love kicks off JT’s 2017 charity campaign

A cardboard cut-out of a Pug dog on display in the window of JT’s Queen Street store has been auctioned off – kick-starting JT’s 2017 fundraising campaign to support charities linked to Alzheimer’s Disease.

The two-dimensional dog generated a lot of interest on social media when it was posted on JT’s Facebook page – with hundreds of followers asking if they could have the two-foot pooch once it had finished its duty of promoting JT’s new JT One campaign.

JT decided to auction off the pug on Facebook, and Kirsten Murphy became the proud new owner with her winning £35 bid. The cut-out featured in her daughter’s birthday celebrations.

Running until next March, JT’s 2017 fundraising drive will support Jersey Alzheimer’s Association and Guernsey Alzheimer’s Association, along with related charities in London, Melbourne and Boston, where JT also has offices. The fundraising target this year is £20,000.

Christophe Chateau, JT Group Head of Culture and Staff Engagement, said: “What better way to launch a charity campaign than by finding a new owner for a dog in need of a home. In all seriousness, though, JT has a proud record of supporting local charities and Kirsten’s donation gets the ball rolling. Last year, we raised over £25,000 for baby-related charities and I’m sure our amazing people will raise a similar amount for charities supporting islanders with Alzheimer’s Disease, which is the most common type of dementia and more prevalent as the numbers of elderly people increase.

“Throughout the year, JT people will run, walk, dress-up, bake, and collect for charity, and lots more besides, and our customers too are incredibly supportive. It promises to be a busy year.”

Mark Blamey, Manager at Jersey Alzheimer’s Association said: “We are thrilled that JT and their employees have chosen to support the Jersey Alzheimer’s Association this year. We are a local charity for people whose lives have been touched by dementia and we are reliant on money raised by individuals and businesses to continue our important work.”