DAF Trucks has expressed its gratitude to visitors to the DAF stand at numerous shows and events after spearheading a three-year drive to raise over £18,000 for Hearing Dogs for Deaf People charity. Donations have been garnered at a number of industry shows, including Truckfest events, Convoy in the Park and other local shows across the UK that are attended by DAF Trucks and DAF Dealers, and where visitors to the DAF stand have generously supported this important charity.
Volunteer representatives and hearing dogs from the charity have attended events to raise awareness, and help distribute ‘goody bags’.
Hearing Dogs for Deaf People trains dogs to assist deaf people with tasks that many take for granted, but which impacts dramatically on daily life. A hearing dog can have a profound effect on an individual’s quality of life, helping them enjoy a full and rewarding existence. Specially trained dogs are able to alert their deaf owner to sounds they would otherwise miss; for example, doorbells, alarm clocks and, of course, danger signals such as a fire alarm. Naturally, dogs also fulfil the essential role of companionship – a key role for deaf people who may often feel isolated.
“We’ve enjoyed an association with Hearing Dogs for Deaf People for almost three years,” said DAF Trucks Marketing Manager, Phil Moon, “and, naturally, I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to donate such a large sum of money courtesy of the many visitors to the DAF stand, including drivers, enthusiasts and their families. The charity’s volunteers have been fantastic and their devotion to this excellent cause has been evident at the many events that they’ve attended.”
Since the charity was established in 1982, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People has created more than 2,500 hearing dog partnerships, with 188 partnerships established in 2018 alone.
Jo Wengler, Head of Major Giving for Hearing Dogs, said, “The support we’ve received from DAF Trucks and its many industry friends has been phenomenal and has gone a long way in helping us to train more life-changing hearing dogs.
“Hearing dogs help deaf people to leave loneliness behind and reconnect with life by providing constant companionship and emotional support, alerting them to important and life-saving sounds. A big thanks to DAF and their industry friends for helping us to train these amazing dogs.”