The Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust is urgently calling for Tauranga volunteers for its national appeal and International Assistance Dogs' week.

The dedicated week runs from August 2 to August 8, and the trust needs collectors on Friday, August 7 and Saturday, August 8.

Wendy Isaacs shows her support of the organisation's awareness campaign on social media, using the hashtag #woof4adnz. Photo: Supplied.

Wendy Isaacs of the Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust says appeal week is crucial to the trust being able to carry out its work in the community.

'ADNZ changes the lives of families with disabled and autistic children across New Zealand by providing them with an assistance dog,” says Wendy.

'The dogs are specifically trained to enrich the lives of adults and children with disabilities as diverse as autism, diabetes or cerebral palsy.

'But without money generously donated by the community, we can't carry out this very important work.

'Just two hours of your time can make a huge difference in the lives of people with disabilities – helping give them a life of freedom, greater independence, confidence and companionship.”

Wendy, who is based in Tauranga, says there is a huge demand for assistance dogs. There is currently a waiting list of 20 people, with between eight and 10 new enquiries every week.

The Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust is unique because it's the only organisation to place them with children and the only organisation to train dogs to support multiple disabilities.

Assistance dogs are trained to promote independent living, mobility, safety and companionship, and are specifically trained for the individual client's needs.

Training is rigorous and takes approximately six months, during which time the dogs receive an assessment, obedience, social and behaviour training and training specific to the disability the dog will support.

The organisation is also raising awareness through a social media campaign in which supporters take a selfie and explain why they 'woof for” (support) ADNZ.

To volunteer to collect during national appeal week, please contact Wendy on: wendy@assistancedogstrust.org.nz, or text/call: 022 137 4090.