RCVS Christmas donation and opening times

This year’s President’s Christmas Box will be donated to Canine Partners, a charity that assists people with disabilities to enjoy a greater independence and quality of life through the provision of specially trained dogs.

The dogs are trained at the charity’s West Sussex Training Centre and help people with disabilities with a variety of practical tasks including opening and closing doors and cupboards; retrieving items; pressing buttons and switches; and unloading washing machines.

The £3,000 will be used to further the charity’s work with people with disabilities including members of HM Armed Forces and veterans with physical disabilities.

RCVS President Col Neil Smith says: “As President I am keen that the College supports a charity that helps people by enhancing their lives through animals and I think that the work of Canine Partners perfectly fits the criteria. You only have to read the case studies to understand what a huge positive impact these dogs are making on many aspects of people’s lives.”

The RCVS President’s Christmas Box is a charitable donation that we have made since 2010 in lieu of sending Christmas cards.

Previous recipients have been equine charity SPANA (Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad), Hounds for Heroes and the Veterinary Benevolent Fund.

Seasonal opening times

The RCVS and RCVS Knowledge will remain open on certain days over the festive season, as follows:

• Tuesday 24 December – open until 3pm
• Wednesday 25 December – closed
• Thursday 26 December – closed
• Friday 27 December – closed
• Monday 30 December – open
• Tuesday 31 December – open until 3pm
• Wednesday 1 January 2014 – closed
• Thursday 2 January 2014 – open

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!