This Christmas, a donation to Hounds for Heroes could go twice as far.
The charity is launching its first-ever Big Give Christmas Challenge, giving the public a unique opportunity to help change lives by supporting the training and partnership of assistance dogs for injured and disabled serving and former members of the UK Armed Forces and Emergency Services.
Running from midday on Tuesday 1st December until midday on Tuesday 8th December 2026, donations made through the charity’s dedicated Big Give campaign page can be doubled through pledged match funding, meaning every eligible donation has the potential to make twice the difference.
For the people supported by Hounds for Heroes, an assistance dog is so much more than a companion. These specially trained Hounds provide practical help with everyday tasks, build confidence and independence, and help their partners reconnect with family life and the world around them.
From helping someone with a physical disability manage everyday challenges to providing the confidence to get out and about again, the right dog can make an extraordinary difference.
But creating these partnerships takes time, expertise and significant investment. Every dog follows a carefully planned journey, from puppy selection and specialist training through to being matched with their future partner. And the charity’s commitment doesn’t end when a dog is placed. Hounds for Heroes provides ongoing support and aftercare throughout each dog’s working life.
The Big Give campaign will help Hounds for Heroes continue this vital work, supporting people waiting for their first assistance dog while also planning for existing partnerships that will eventually need a successor dog.
POWERFUL PARTNERSHIPS HELP MAKE DONATIONS GO FURTHER
The campaign has already received fantastic support from its pledgers, HMS Victory, Gulfstream and AirTanker, whose generosity is helping make the match-funding opportunity possible.
Hounds for Heroes is also delighted to have the support of the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust as its Big Give Champion Funder, helping bring the campaign to life and supporting the charity’s mission to make a lasting difference to those who have served.
The charity would like to extend its sincere thanks to all its pledgers and Champion Funder for believing in its work and helping supporters make an even greater impact this Christmas.
With no government funding, the charity relies entirely on the generosity of supporters, grants and fundraising to make these life-changing partnerships possible.
Debbie Pick, Head of Income and Partnerships at Hounds for Heroes, 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.
“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.”
CAN’T DONATE? YOU CAN STILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE
For those who may not be able to make a financial donation, there is another way to support Hounds for Heroes this Christmas.
Through A Noble Gift, which is partnering with the Big Give, supporters can purchase gifts listed in the Hounds for Heroes collection, with the opportunity to contribute to the charity in a different way.
Browse the gifts available here:
anoblegift.com/charities/big-give?sort_by=closing-soon&category=hounds-for-heroes
Whether through a donation, purchasing a gift or simply sharing the campaign with friends and family, every show of support helps Hounds for Heroes create more life-changing partnerships.
MAKE YOUR DONATION GO TWICE AS FAR
The Big Give Christmas Challenge runs from 12 noon on Tuesday 1st December until 12 noon on Tuesday 8th December 2026.
Donations must be made through the dedicated campaign page during the campaign period to be eligible for match funding. Match funding is limited and subject to availability and the campaign’s terms.
To donate on Tuesday 1 December from 12 noon or to find out more about Hounds for Heroes and the difference its assistance dogs make, visit houndsforheroes.com.
