Families across Sheffield came together this weekend for a special cooking class, aiming to raise funds for Support Dogs. 

The event, held in Chapeltown on 15 November and organised by CookStars, invited attendees to bake pastries.

Emma Wildman, 40, who runs Cookstars Sheffield North East, said: “Support Dogs is such a valuable charity and my children are so excited to be supporting it.

“Events like this bring people together in a setting where they’re already coming to do something fun that they’re excited about; it allows you to engage with them while they’re in their happy place.”

A portion of ticket proceeds, £50, went directly to the charity, with themed baked goods sold to raise additional funds. 

Two puppy socialisers from Support Dogs attended the event to explain the role to parents and answer any questions. 

Gill Wilkinson, 69, one puppy socialiser, said: “It’s so rewarding to be able to work with a charity that changes people’s lives daily, the impact they have on kids and adults is absolutely amazing.

“I’d encourage anyone interested to look into becoming a puppy socialiser. Beyond helping Support Dogs, they make such a difference to your life personally; it forces you to go out and socialise, then, when you do, everyone wants to stop and speak to you, which is great.”

Children also completed crafts such as colouring, making dog headbands, and completing themed word searches.

11 families attended in total, with three parents of autistic children asking for further information about Support Dogs after the event.  

Jeanette Wardley, 36, who attended with her four children, said:  “The campaign is amazing, supporting autistic kids and adults with epilepsy or physical disabilities is so important. My aunt struggles with epilepsy and has for years. I can imagine how having a support dog to look out for you can have a real impact.

“I hadn’t heard of the charity before today, but I’ll definitely be sharing what they do, and I’d be more than happy to come to another event like this in the future.” 

Paws for a Cause aims to raise £1,000 for children with autism, secure 10 people to register interest as puppy socialisers, and increase the number of sponsors for autism assistance dog Peggy to 20. 

A total of 95 pounds was raised towards the £1,000 goal. 

For more information on the campaign and how to contribute, visit here.

To find out more about Support Dogs, see here.