Animates stores across the country are preparing to give back this Christmas by running their annual ‘Tree of Hope' fundraiser encouraging Kiwi's to purchase $3, $5 or $10 joy, love and hope baubles to hang on the in-store Christmas tree.

The funds raised will be donated to the SPCA and the Mobility Assistance Dogs Trust, enabling them to continue their valuable work improving the lives of animals and people in need such as David Gould.

David owned a pharmacy in Parnell for 30 years, when he contracted pneumococcal septicaemic infection. The resulting complications unfortunately resulted in the loss of both his arms, legs are part of his ears and nose.

After major rehabilitation, David was introduced to mobility dog Emmett.

'He does many tasks, he opens doors, barks for help – but the biggest thing he does for me is that he makes me feel confident in the community,” says David.

David finds that with Emmett, he can go anywhere and people will come and talk to him instead of shying away.

'The best part about having Emmett is the companionship, he will stay by my side during the day, sit at my feet in the evening and then sleep on my bed at night,” says David.

Mobility dogs are trained to provide assistance with everyday tasks for New Zealanders living with disabilities including muscular dystrophy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy.

SPCA marking and fundraising manager, Dominique Leeming, is hoping to beat last year's fundraising total of $130,000 which is divided between the charities.

'The joy, love and hope that Animates customers and SPCA supporters give to animals in our care at Christmas is extraordinary and very gratefully received,” says Dominique.

'Christmas is a very busy time of year at SPCA with hundreds of unwanted and unloved animals needing our help, but we can only help them all with your support.

'Thank you to the Animates team and their loyal customers for helping us raise much needed funds to care for the animals this Christmas.”

If you can't make it to an Animates store, donation to the Tree of Hope can be make online at: https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/animates-joy-love-hope-christmas-donation-appeal