Dogs for deaf people calling on Dorset residents to volunteer

Next month Hearing Dogs for Deaf People, an organisation that trains dogs to alert deaf people to important and life-saving sounds, is calling on volunteers to join its Paws Appeal.

The Paws Appeal is the charity’s biggest collection event, with 100 bucket collections taking place across the UK, to raise money to change the lives of deaf people by urging residents across the county to collect money for a couple of hours.

Jan Shally, a volunteer puppy trainer for the charity, said: “I jumped at the chance to help at a collection because I want to give back and raise money to help deaf people.

“Hearing dogs can help deaf people to step into another world – one in which they too can feel heard. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?”

Hearing Dogs for Deaf People rely on donations to continue helping deaf people and they have seen a 30% increase in the number of those coming to them for help over the last two years.

The charity is asking volunteers to give just two hours of their time to the Paws Appeal to help them raise much-needed funds to train life-changing hearing dogs and provide more services to anyone with hearing loss.

Kevin Game, community fundraising manager for the charity added: “Help our Paws Appeal in May be a fantastic success by spending a couple of hours at one of our collection events in Dorset.

“You’ll meet other supporters and dogs as well as play a key role in fundraising, gaining new supporters and highlighting just how amazing our life-changing hearing dogs are.

“Our friendly team will make sure you have everything you need to safely fundraise for us. By participating in our Paws Appeal, you will help us raise vital funds to ensure no one with hearing loss feels alone.”

Volunteers can sign up to collect as an individual or with family and friends.

To sign up or find further information visit: www.hearingdogs.org.uk/pawsappeal