Eldon Square Spotlights Charity Partnership with the Help of Four-Legged Friends
Eldon Square, Newcastle’s premier shopping destination, has announced Newcastle United Foundation will continue as its charity partner for 2026, alongside wider support for Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter as part of its ongoing community engagement activity.
To celebrate the charity work, four-legged friends from Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter took centre stage at Eldon Square, donning Newcastle United kits to mark the occasion and raise awareness of the charities’ missions. The event encouraged visitors to make donations that will go directly towards supporting both organisations’ ongoing community and animal welfare work.
The event also highlighted Eldon Square’s status as a dog-friendly shopping destination, welcoming well-behaved pups and their owners throughout the centre. Dog-friendly retailers and restaurants across Eldon Square are clearly signposted, making it easier than ever for visitors to enjoy a day out with their canine companions.
Attending the launch were Aggie, a four-and-a-half-year-old French Bulldog who first arrived at the shelter as a stray, and her sister Raven, also four-and-a-half, who came to the shelter as a playful seven-week-old Labrador puppy when her previous family could no longer care for her.
Today, these inseparable companions are thriving in their forever home - a place filled with love, long walks, and plenty of treats. Their story is a heartwarming reminder of how adoption can transform lives, bringing joy not only to the dogs but also to the families who welcome them.
Aggie and Raven were joined by Honey, the beloved dog of Helen Cowie, Eldon Square’s Centre Director.
Helen Cowie, Centre Director at Eldon Square, said: “We’re incredibly proud to announce our ongoing partnership with Newcastle United Foundation, alongside providing a much-needed spotlight on Newcastle Dog and Cat Shelter’s work. Both charities are deeply rooted in our local community, and we’re looking forward to working closely with them on ‘paw-some’ initiatives that make a real difference.”
Steve Beharall, Chief Executive Officer at Newcastle United Foundation, added: “Newcastle United Foundation is delighted to partner with Eldon Square and the Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter. This collaboration is about more than just our shared love for animals; it's about harnessing the unique appeal of the Newcastle United brand to engage our community in meaningful ways. By combining the excitement of our football club with the unique place dogs have in our lives, we aim to engage even more people to help them understand how they can be more active, to learn new skills, become more employable, and realize their potential. Together, we can reach more people than ever before and make a lasting impact on our community.”
Chris Bray, Chief Executive at Newcastle Cat and Dog Shelter, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Eldon Square in such a heartwarming and impactful way. Showcasing our dogs in the heart of the city raises vital awareness about Newcastle Dog & Cat Shelter and reminds people every animal deserves a second chance. It is great to see Eldon Square taking steps to make the venue dog friendly. The collaboration helps the shelter reach new audiences and, most importantly, find loving forever homes for dogs in our care”
The charity event marked another step in Eldon Square’s commitment to championing local causes and celebrating the spirit of Newcastle at the heart of the city.
