Welcome to my JustGiving page dedicated to supporting a cause that is close to my heart this year—the Berkshire Search & Rescue Dogs (BSARD).

Every 90 seconds, someone goes missing in the UK. That's a staggering reality we often overlook. In response to this need, BSARD, a team of dedicated and highly trained volunteers and their talented canine companions, stand ready 24/7, 365 days a year. Their mission? To assist the police in locating and reuniting high-risk, vulnerable missing individuals with their loved ones.

Meet BSARD: Heroes with Fur and Heart

BSARD isn't your average Search and Rescue Team; they are a volunteer Lowland Rescue Search Dog Team, the largest in England, with 22 operational members and 28 incredible dogs. These four-legged heroes undergo rigorous training alongside their human counterparts, who, often in addition to full-time jobs, devote their spare time to this life-saving cause.

The majority of the dogs at BSARD are air-scenting dogs, conducting path and area searches. Moreover, they boast the first fully qualified dog and handler team in the UK for trailing or ground-scenting, with more dogs in training.

How Can You Make a Difference?

BSARD operates solely on the dedication of volunteers. However, even heroes need support. From specialist equipment to insurance, continuous training and requalifications, their annual budget of £15,000 is entirely funded by the volunteers' own subscriptions, donations, and other fundraising efforts.

This is where you come in. Your contribution, no matter the size, can make a significant impact on the invaluable work of these remarkable dogs and their human companions. By donating through JustGiving, you're ensuring a simple, fast, and secure process. JustGiving will direct your contribution straight to the charity, making it the most efficient way to support BSARD—saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Let's join paws and hands to support these unsung heroes. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.

Cllr Sally Gurney, Wokingham Town Mayor