Learn how Hyundai Help for Kids is supporting Assistance Dogs Australia.
As part of Hyundai Help for Kids’ renewed agreement with Assistance Dogs Australia, HHFKs will be sponsoring a puppy through his two years of training and development to become a fully-fledged assistance dog. The name of this adorable pup was chosen by the HHFKs Facebook community, who were involved in a competition to give this little cutie the perfect Hyundai inspired name. HHFK received over 1,200 entries via Facebook over a 5-day period and landed on the adorable name: NEXO.
A nod to Hyundai’s first zero-emission hydrogen-powered electric vehicle and commitment to a more sustainable, earth-conscious future. We hope this little pup is just as smart, innovative and forward thinking as the NEXO vehicle.
It’s thanks to this partnership as well as other sponsors and donations that Assistance Dogs Australia can continue to do the work they do. Assistance Dogs Australia trains and places unique dogs with Australians in unique situations. ADA currently train dogs that specialise in support for people with a physical disability, autism or PTSD. As well as providing a range of services to these individuals and their families. ADA’s free-to-client assistance dogs provide independence, self-esteem, improved health and relationships to individuals and families – resulting in stronger and more successful communities.
This is the heart-warming story of Byron and his Assistance Dog Zeus.
Byron was born with Down syndrome and has a secondary diagnosis of Autism. He is non-verbal, but is able to communicate a few words and key word sign. His loyal and cheeky Assistance Dog, Zeus is helping Byron through the disruption that Coronavirus has brought to all our lives.
His mum Christina recently told Assistance Dogs Australia about how they are coping in this age of lockdown. “Due to this current pandemic, all of Byron’s appointments and sessions have been cancelled. This was so hard for Byron to understand because in a normal week he attends school, goes swimming, plays basketball and has dance class. Usually, Byron also has physio once a week, speech therapy once a fortnight, and occupational therapy once a fortnight. We use Zeus in our OT sessions and he was helping Byron learn to use buttons, as one of his tasks is to button a scarf around Zeus’s neck.”
Byron and his family are so grateful that Zeus is there to help the family through this uncertain time. Zeus has also helped Byron increase his communication skills and reduce his anxiety. Zeus’ unwavering loyalty and love has also been a huge help. “The sad part is as for isolation this has not been much different as Byron has no friends that visit and he never gets asked to visit any friends, so he knows no different. Zeus is Byron’s best friend and companion.” said Christina.
Financial supporters are the reason Byron has Zeus. Such generosity is hard at work in the community and will continue to make an impact on Byron’s life as he grows up with Zeus. “We will be forever grateful to Assistance Dogs Australia for bringing Zeus into Byron’s life but we also sincerely would like to thank supporters who give so freely and continually year after year. These donations make a bigger difference than you may ever know, so thank you for your continued support.” said Christina.
Your donation unleashes their potential. You too can become a supporter and help train puppies who will open up the world to someone who is living with a disability. Donate Now
Hyundai Help for Kids is a proud partner of Assistance Dogs Australia and is supporting the tuition of NEXO; a beautiful pup currently in training to be a fully qualified Assistance Dog.
Hyundai Help for Kids is the Australian part of Hyundai Motor Company’s global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, ‘Moving The World Together’. Established in January 2014, Hyundai Help for Kids is a collaborative partnership between Hyundai Motor Company Australia and the 168-strong Hyundai National Dealer Network.
Since the programme’s inception in January 2014 Hyundai Help for Kids has raised contributions in excess of $8 million, providing grants to a range of organisations focused on delivering assistance to children and the families who support them through sport, culture, education, health, community engagement and social welfare initiatives.
Hyundai Help for Kids, where help comes standard with every vehicle purchase.