Urgent appeal by Royal Navy, Army and RAF veterans dog charity with donations being doubled for Christmas
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Volunteers and donations are being sought to provide adorable dogs for veterans
Support for a Hampshire veterans charity providing assistance dogs is needed now more than ever.
Hounds for Heroes in Petersfield has launched its Christmas appeal and promised that support from the public will go twice as far. Its first ever Big Give Christmas Challenge will see all donations doubled through matched funding.
The campaign will run from December 1 to 8, and all funding will helped former service personnel receive lifelong companions. Head of income and partnerships Debbie Pick said: “We are incredibly excited to be taking part in the Big Give Christmas Challenge for the first time.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to make their generosity go even further and help us change lives. Behind every Hounds for Heroes partnership is a person who has given so much in service to others.
“Our dogs help them overcome some of the everyday challenges that many of us take for granted, giving them greater independence, confidence and the opportunity to enjoy life to the full.”
The organisation is also calling on more volunteers to become “puppy parents”. People are being sought to look after adorable puppies from eight weeks old before they become assistance dogs.
These specially trained companions provide practical help with everyday tasks, helps keep veterans confident and independent, and help their partners reconnect with family life and the world around them. For former personnel suffering with mobility problems, these assistance dogs make an amazing difference.
The charity was founded by Allen Parton, who had to move on from his Royal Navy career after suffering a traumatic head injury during The Gulf War in 1991. Ms Pick added: “Every dog we train has the potential to transform someone's world, but we cannot do this without the support of the public.
“Having donations doubled through the Big Give gives people a special opportunity to be part of that journey. We’re asking everyone to save the date, spread the word and, most importantly, support us during the campaign week. Together, we can create more life-changing partnerships.”
Donations must be made through the dedicated campaign page during the campaign period to be eligible for match funding. This can be found on the Hounds for Heroes website.