Paws Appeal 2022
Join the 2024 Paws Appeal – let’s transform lives together!
This September, join a fun bucket collection in your local area to raise vital funds for Hearing Dogs.
Through 91 brilliant bucket collections held in supermarkets, garden centres, sports venues and more, last year we raised over £23,500!
By signing up on your own or with friends, you’ll be making a huge difference to people like Aston:
“Aston was scared of being alone…on many occasions he would wake in the night crying, unable to hear anything around him. Having Leighton, and knowing he’s trained for emergencies, gives him that feeling of security.” — Kelly, mum of Aston who is partnered with hearing dog Leighton
With your help, this year’s Paws Appeal could be the biggest and best yet!
Living with deafness in a hearing world can make you feel anxious, afraid and alone. Our hearing dogs provide highly-skilled support and companionship that changes the lives of deaf people, reconnecting them with the world around them.
Could you donate two hours of time to help people living with deafness and hearing loss?
The Paws Appeal also supports our Hearing Link Services – these provide essential support for the one in five people living with a level of hearing loss in the UK, and their family and friends.
Just 2 hours of your time will change a deaf person's life
“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?”
Jan Shally
Volunteer Puppy Trainer
If there's no collection near you, or you're not able to take part, but still want to help?
Please consider donating £10 (or any amount you wish) here
About the 2024 Paws Appeal
Thank you so much for your interest in joining the 2024 Paws Appeal. To learn more about joining a bucket collection or organising your own, as well as other key information, please read our FAQs below:
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I’ve signed up to my collection, what happens now?
You should receive an email confirming the collection you are interested in helping at (do check your spam or junk folder if you can’t find the email in your inbox).
After that your local Community Fundraiser or Team Leader will be in contact to let you know the collection timeslots available for the day and to give you a bit more information on what to expect at the collection.
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Can I collect with a friend or family member?
Volunteering with a friend or family member may not be possible at all of our collection sites due to some of the restrictions, but please do contact your Community Fundraiser or Team Leader who will be able to advise.
Please note, people under the age of 18 are not be covered by our insurance, so will not able to be there “officially” or hold a bucket. Please do check with your Community Fundraiser or Team Leader in advance in case there are restrictions on numbers.
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Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately only registered Assistance dogs or pups in training with Hearing Dogs will be attending the collections.
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I haven’t heard from my local Community Fundraiser or Team Leader yet, who do I contact?
If you have not had any contact from us please contact events@hearingdogs.org.uk
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How do I stay safe whilst I am collecting?
The safety of our collectors is of the utmost importance to us and during your slot you will be with at least one other person.
The communications you receive in the lead up to your collection will include a collectors toolkit which includes information to help keep you safe.
If you wish to wear a face covering please bring one with you and you may wish to bring hand sanitiser or similar.
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What do I need to take with me?
Remember to bring a face covering (if you wish to wear one), as well as some hand sanitiser in case hand-washing facilities aren't available at the collection venue. The communication you receive in the lead up to your collection will include reminders and your Community Fundraiser or Team Leader will let you know if there's anything additional you should bring for your collection slot.
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What should I wear?
Dress up warm! You may be collecting indoors or outside (even if inside, eg. a supermarket foyer, it can be chilly with doors opening and closing all the time) so we recommend you anticipate the weather turning nasty or nice: bring layers, waterproofs and, if needed, a hat and gloves. And don't forget warm socks!
You will be provided with the burgundy Hearing Dogs tabard which you should wear whilst collecting, and optional dog ears for you to take home after. Fancy dress and facepaint are also optional!
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What can I expect on the day?
You will meet like-minded people and you may also meet a hearing dog or puppy, although this is not guaranteed. However, collecting is lots of fun and people are always friendly. Donors tend to be interested in learning about our work so you will be provided with everything you need to signpost them to our website for further information.
When you sign up you will receive further information about your specific collection as well as contact details if you have more questions.
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I can no longer collect, how do I cancel my collection?
If you are unable to collect for us, whatever the reason, we completely understand. Please contact your Community Fundraiser or Team Leader as soon as possible.
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When should I arrive at my collection?
Please aim to arrive at your collection 10-15 minutes before you are due to start, this will give you time to sign in at customer services/meet your fellow collectors and get ready. You will receive instructions specific to your collection before the day.
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I don’t feel comfortable shaking a bucket or asking people for money, can I still help?
Yes you can! Please do not shake any buckets or collecting tins at any time as this goes against fundraising regulations. We never explicitly ask people for money at collections, but we are friendly and approachable and by you simply holding a bucket will let people know that you are collecting.
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Is it cash only?
No, all of our buckets and tins will have a QR code for people to make a contactless donation if they wish.
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When do I find out how much I raised?
Once the donations have been counted and banked, you should receive a text or email (depending on the contact details you've provided us) letting you know how much the collection raised.
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How will the donations I collect help?
By helping us at our Paws Appeal you will be helping to continue our work helping deaf people leave loneliness behind and reconnect with life. More information can be found here:
https://www.hearingdogs.org.uk/helping-deaf-people/
https://www.hearinglink.org/services/ -
What should I do with my collecting kit?
Please do not take anything except your dog ears home with you at the end. You will receive information specific to your collection after you sign up.
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I’d love to support hearing dogs again – how else can I get involved?
The best way is to sign up for our E-news so you can see what is happening locally for you to get involved with. You can sign up here.
