Fundraiser of the month

August 2006

The Fundraiser of the Month for August 2006 is Rotary International.  Hearing Dogs would like to say a huge thank you to Rotary for their generous and enthusiastic support during the past year.  Rotarians have raised more than £300,000 for Hearing Dogs, their preferred UK charity from July 2005 to July 2006. 

Head of Fundraising for Hearing Dogs, Peter Hutchins, says: “A special mention must go to Rotary president Mike Webb for nominating Hearing Dogs.  Our partnership with Rotary this year has already had a huge impact.  Rotarians throughout the UK and Ireland have pulled together to raise valuable awareness of our work and vital funds to help more deaf people and unwanted dogs.”

Hearing Dogs’ staff and supporters have been invited to attend numerous Rotary conferences and events throughout the year.  Our ‘touring demonstration team’ captured the interest and hearts of many delegates whilst our recipients gave an insight into the emotional and therapeutic support that hearing dogs provide.

These opportunities to raise the profile of the Charity among Rotarians have led to increased awareness further afield.  Clubs, districts and individuals have been inspired to co-ordinate a range of highly successful fundraising initiatives such as charity golf events, a dogathon, jazz evening, concerts and sponsored walks.

Rotarians have become involved on many levels: some have encouraged their families to become personal supporters; some have signed up to our ‘Friends’ scheme; others have pledged to support Hearing Dogs beyond this year’s activities.  One Rotarian has even registered as a volunteer speaker for the Charity and has already conducted more than 30 talks among schools, companies and other organisations.

Peter adds: “It has been a real pleasure working with Rotary and we really hope to continue this very positive relationship in the future.  We’ve been delighted to welcome many clubs to our headquarters in south Buckinghamshire and to our satellite training centre in north Yorkshire over the year.  During these visits, Rotarians have had the chance to watch hearing dog demonstrations, view our kennel and training facilities, and learn more about the Charity’s work at the heart of its operations – giving them a chance to see just what a difference their fantastic efforts are making.”

Special mentions…

Rotarian Wally K Dally of district 1130 has been the driving force motivating Rotarians from the 82 Rotary Clubs of Greater London to sponsor four hearing dogs!  Chinese crested, Pickle – re-named ‘Piggle’ by his deaf recipient – is one of the four working hearing dogs sponsored by district 1130 (Greater London). 

He is making a huge difference to Margot, his deaf  recipient.  She says: “As my hearing deteriorated, it became increasingly difficult for me to assert my needs.  I began to shun social situations and chose to travel by bike so as to avoid social interaction.  I felt isolated and low in confidence.

“Now I have Piggle I am walking everywhere and meeting other dog owners.  It feels easier to explain my deafness now, rather than pretend I can hear.  I can’t imagine being without Piggle; he comes everywhere with me.  I am so impressed by his obedience and ability to sit whilst I am teaching and in my studio.”

10-year-old Amy Kolsteren from Kent took part in three sponsored walks organised by her local Rotary club in Ashford.  In June 2006 she walked 10 miles and raised £115 in sponsor money – which she split between Rotary and Hearing Dogs. 

Read more about Rotary International and their support of Hearing Dogs

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