The £100,000 fundraiser aims to fund the build of a Community Aquarium and Sensory play classroom to help benefit children and adults within the local community who live with mental health, autism, alzheimers, loneliness, stress and anxiety, depression and sensory disabilities including visual impairment.

The Family Fun Day was attended by over 150 people and included activities and games, face painting, animal handling sessions, treasure hunts, goody bags, guess my name and the opportunity to win a signed 17/18 West Bromwich Albion shirt via auction. The event raised over £190 in donations which will go directly to the Community Aquarium and Sensory Activity Centre. HugglePets in the Community wanted to include the community in the day by inviting everyone to leave their handprints on the wall on different coloured paint as a show of community support and inclusion for all.

The event also featured an Autism Friendly hour in support of the National Autistic Society, where families could attend the event without feeling overwhelmed by crowds or noise.

The family run business based in Wolverhampton City Centre recently launched Community Interest Company (CIC) HugglePets in The Community to develop animal assisted therapy focused work, to support individuals and groups to improve mental health, combat loneliness, challenge behavioural issues and promote psychological well-being.

Hannah Dixon, Project Manager, said

“We were delighted with such a positive turnout from our local community for our Family Fun Day, and for the continued support as we try to reach our £100,000 goal for our Community Aquarium and Sensory Playroom, we are currently 40% of our target and have less than 60days left to raise the funds - every penny does count.

Our aim with this project is to create a space where we believe through animal-related therapy and educational animal workshops we can help tackle some of the significant issues in society today, including loneliness and improving mental health issues.”

Members of the public can still donate to the project via www.spacehive.com/hugglepets. For corporate sponsors please contact Hannah Dixon at [email protected]