In late 2022, Jane Galliford, Founder of Maxi’s Mates Rescue & Rehoming Centre, contacted TTE in a plea of urgent help. The local charity had been left struggling as the number of dogs surrendered continued to rise and the temperature began to drop, some pups could have been left without heat throughout the winter.
John Cooke, Operations Manager at TTE, took the call from Jane and knew action needed to be taken quickly, he got in touch with Victoria Mullen who knew her students would be more than willing to help.
Victoria told us: “The maturity, kindness and attitudes I see in my students are impeccable and I know they will all go far in life, and they make my job a pleasure. They used their own free time to help Maxi’s Mates and have even offered to go again if more assistance is needed.”
We are beyond proud of our students who put themselves forward to help others in their own free time, whilst gaining practical experience out on sites which will help their confidence grow.
We spoke to Kyle Fountain, a second year Electrical Engineering student at TTE, who offered his help to Maxi’s, he said: “Volunteering for maxis mates is the best thing I could have done, working for a charity is truly an honour. Seeing how amazing they treat the dogs is an experience itself. The electrical work was made easy, due to having an amazing supervisor and teachers from TTE. I would happily volunteer again.”
After the students had completed their work, the College came together to donate to Maxi’s Mates and visit the charity again before Christmas, the work they do is inspiring.
Jane Galliford said: “We feel so lucky to have had the help of TTE and their students, we were so worried before they came to our assistance.
“Thanks to TTE all our dogs will have heat lamps and lights in their kennels this winter, this is so important especially with the weather getting colder by the week. Having these additions provides so many short- and long-term benefits to our charity and will help all the dogs coming in, thanks to the time and generosity of the students who came in their free time.
“We are beyond grateful for the help and support given from TTE and Middlesbrough College. The time spent and donations made are all so generous.”
