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Paws Appeal 2022

Join a fundraising collection in your local area this September and change the lives of deaf people

You can be part of something amazing! Join one of 100 collections taking place across the UK, to raise money to change the lives of deaf people.

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

Just 2 hours of your time will change a deaf person's life

How your collection will help

All money raised from the Paws Appeal will help train more life-changing hearing dogs and provide more services to anyone with hearing loss, such as support groups and our Helpdesk.

We rely on donations to continue helping deaf people and have seen a 30% increase in the number of people coming to us for help over the last two years. By kindly giving up just two hours of your time, you will be helping more of these people. People like Rachel:

“I used to feel isolated because of my deafness. I felt ignored. My mental wellbeing suffered. Everything changed when I got Archer. He opened up my world. My confidence, self-belief and self-worth have all increased. With Archer by my side, I have nothing to fear.”

How your collection works

 From how local collections work, to what to wear, we have put together the most commonly asked questions:

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Can I bring my dog?

    Unfortunately only registered Assistance dogs or pups in training with Hearing Dogs will be attending the collections.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • How do I still engage with people if I’m wearing a face covering?

    Even with a face covering you can still look friendly and engaging with your eyes and you can still acknowledge passing members of the public. We are a deaf friendly organisation so we do ask you to be prepared to lower your face covering if someone needs to lip read you and we will supply badges letting people know this as part of the kit on the day.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.