Great dogs in general with kids, they are hounds so lead with their nose, not so good off the lead as they are always on the ground and searching and brain dead when they pick up a scent
I had one when I worked in America, cracking wee dog and great with people, expensive in this country :-/
Great Idea
Maybe a courier could donate if not all then some funds towards the transport of the birds and all winners would get a discount.
I think any courier that takes on the task would more than get the outlay back with fanciers favouring their services, also milk any publicity out of it :-/