Hearing Dogs are a child’s best friend

Hearing Dogs are a child’s best friend

· Hearing Dogs New Zealand receives 14th Jetstar Flying Start grant
· Grant will support the ‘Companion Dogs for Children’ pilot programme
· Charity trains assistance dogs which aid people who are deaf or hearing-impaired

Jetstar is proud to announce the recipient of the latest $30,000 Jetstar Flying Start grant is the charitable trust, Hearing Dogs New Zealand.

One in ten people in New Zealand is deaf or hearing-impaired and Hearing Dogs New Zealand delivers the important service of training assistance dogs to aid and guide them.

The Jetstar Flying Start grant of $15,000 worth of Jetstar flights and $15,000 cash will be used to support the charity’s ‘Companion Dogs for Children’ pilot programme.

Jetstar Head of New Zealand Grant Kerr said, “We’re thrilled the Jetstar Flying Start grant will enable Hearing Dogs NZ trainers and assessors to fly around the country, to assess the needs of more children and adults than ever before.”

Hearing Dogs NZ’s General Manager Claire McLaughlin added, “Severely hearing-impaired and deaf people can feel really isolated, but providing them with a Hearing Dog gives them companionship, independence and confidence.

“For children, I regard a Hearing Dog as a friend; a companion who they can tell their secrets to, who can read their body language and understand them. Within the family setting, the dog provides a sense of security for both the child and the parents.

“With Hearing Dogs working in our communities, our goal is to break down the barriers of social isolation and create communities that are vibrant and inclusive,” added McLaughlin.

Tom Wilkinson from New Plymouth was one of the first recipients of the ‘Companion Dogs for Children’ programme.

Tom’s mother Jo Wilkinson said, “At night time it’s made a huge impact, because when Tom sleeps he has his cochlear hearing aids out. Now he has Albert his dog with him, if there’s an emergency, Albert can go get help. As a parent, it gives you peace of mind…Tom’s got a companion to look out for him.

“It’s awesome that Jetstar has funded Hearing Dogs NZ. With a disability like hearing it can go unnoticed at times because it’s not as physically obvious as other disabilities. Being deaf can be quite lonely, but for children to have a companion and a friend – it’s amazing.”

Hearing Dogs NZ’s vision is to roll out the ‘Companion Dogs for Children’ across New Zealand.

Jetstar aims to provide a travel experience that is safe, comfortable and affordable for all its customers and offers assistance to travellers on all flights who have specific needs including those who are deaf, have a hearing impairment, or travel with service dogs.

- Ends –

© Scoop Media