Premier Inn has handed over a cheque of more than AED15,000 to Dubai based shelter, K9 Friends from the sale of over 700 Premier Inn plush puppies; providing much needed sponsorship thanks to generous guests.

The sponsorship, part of a pledge towards social responsibility from the hotel chain, raised headlines when it was launched.  The initiative saw Pip, Premier Inn Pup, being sold across all properties in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in an effort to raise funds for the abandoned and neglected dogs across the UAE, with enthusiastic team members championing the project across the group.

Commenting on the campaign, Adam Nicholls, Managing Director of Premier Inn Middle East said: “Our guests and teams across Premier Inn have embraced our campaign to support K9 Friends by taking Pip home. I have seen first-hand the great work of the volunteers and how sponsorship is needed; I hope to see more dogs find their home for life this year.”

Commenting on the support, Mariela, volunteer at K9 Friends said “K9 Friends is an entirely self-funded shelter and with 140 dogs to look after, it’s an expensive business. Initiatives such as the Premier Inn Pup, provide essential funding to help us continue to be able to look after our dogs, while they wait to find their forever homes. Premier Inn’s sponsorship idea was particularly innovative, and we’ve been delighted by the popularity of Pip.”

The community is highly encouraged to support K9 Friends in non-financial ways as well such as purchasing or gifting items from their “shopping list” including A4 / A5 paper, disinfectant sprays, sponges, ziplock bags, puppy pads, floor cleaners, white board markers, black bin liners, and medium sized disposable gloves.

For those wanting a cute Pip for themselves there are only a few remaining, available to purchase at the recently opened Premier Inn Al Jaddaf and K9 Friends for just AED 50.