What fabulous work this charity is doing, both for people and dogs..such a worthwhile project which brings such important healing to traumatised souls.
The Comfort Dog Project makes a real difference in Northern Uganda by providing essential veterinary care and promoting the healing bond between humans and animals. They also par war survivors with PTSD and dogs in need, creating transformative results for both. I also appreciate their transparency, as they provide detailed financial reports every year, showing exactly how donations are used.
Such an essential service to the humans and companion animals of Northern Uganda! An incredible staff that is beyond dedicated.
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The Big Fix Uganda is a wonderful organization and I am so proud to be associated with it. They provide rabies vaccinations, spay/neuter, general vet care, and very importantly, focus on the interaction between humans and companion animals in Northern Uganda. They run programs in schools to teach compassion and have an unbelievably innovative program that pairs war survivors afflicted with PTSD with companion animals in need of a home (The Comfort Dog Project).
This charity makes a real and tangible difference to those traumatized by war. I wholly support their work.
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Brilliant organisation... Amazing feet on the ground and practical, common sense approach to transforming dogs and peoples lives. What I love about this organisation is seeing how every dollar goes to do good.
Thanks guys for all you do. Doggy Dan (Professional dog trainer and big fan of The BIG FIX)
You are the real deal, thanks for all that you do...
An excellent charity doing valuable work for people and dogs. Together they are stronger.
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A brilliant charity that I am proud to support. Dogs helping people and people adopting dogs is a wonderful combination.
I have been a supporter of The BIG FIX for years. While I have not had the chance of visiting them yet, through the periodic reporting and news, I have always felt that they are a passionate and sincere organization that genuinely wants to work on improving the lives of dogs and the people surrounding dogs.
The Big Fix Uganda truly puts their all into serving others and does so with integrity. I am honored to volunteer with them.
Great mission, great leadership, great staff. I'm proud to support this important work.
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I have been a long time supporter because I love the work of this charity in an area where help is really needed. I especially love that The Big Fix publishes its financial reports every year and discloses where all the money is spent - and in my opinion, they are one of the most efficient charities I am aware of. They deserve a lot more publicity and support that they receive!
The BIG FIX Uganda is an amazing organization; the scope of services, the kindness and professionalism, the impressive vision and effort by employees and volunteers, and maybe most remarkable: the accomplishments/successes year after year after year. The BIG FIX Uganda has so much...heart! This is one of my absolute favorite charities that I donate to!
A last-minute spontaneous decision in 2019 led me to volunteer with The BIG FIX Uganda (BFU), a small nonprofit that punches well above its weight in terms of the impact it has on the local community and beyond. I had no idea what was in store for me but it turned out to be a truly eye-opening and rewarding experience, and one that has left a lasting impression. The stories and faces of the incredible guardians, dogs, staff, school children, as well as the beautiful, natural surroundings, will forever be etched in my mind. The importance of the work the BFU does running the only animal clinic in Northern Uganda and in improving the lives of both war trauma survivors and dogs through the Comfort Dog Project, cannot be overstated. I met some amazing people and dogs there, and had the opportunity to observe and participate in a range of activities during my stay: World Rabies Day during which over 1,000 dogs and their owners lined up to receive free rabies vaccinations + free spay/neuter surgeries; school visits exposing children to the importance of animal rights/rabies education + prevention, + demo by Comfort Dogs + guardians; town parade, radio show + Dog Games for World Animal Day, not to mention the multiple daily tasks of the veterinary clinic. The reality on the ground is hard; I saw and heard things I would prefer not to have witnessed. However, this only accentuates the importance of and need for organisations such as the BFU to be present and carry out their essential work. Seeing dogs left for dead on a pile of trash being rehabilitated by the BFU and then trained by and become loved by and best friends with their new guardians (war trauma survivors who have themselves suffered beyond belief), who, in turn, provide a new lease of life for these guardians, is truly remarkable and is the best evidence of the mutually beneficial human-animal bond. It also demonstrates that the approach taken by the Big Fix and its hardworking and dedicated staff, actually works, and can serve as a model for others. My hope is that through additional recognition and support, the Big Fix Uganda is able to create an even bigger impact, reaching and transforming the lives of an even greater number of people and dogs on the ground.
Over the past 4 years I’ve watch the wonderful impact The Big Fix Uganda and The Comfort Dog Project has made on people and pets in greatest need. It’s inspiring and heartwarming beyond measure. If only ever African country and other countries in dire need could be so fortunate. Thank you The Big Fix Uganda and The Comfort Dog Project!
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An exceptional organisation that provides vital veterinary services in Northern Uganda. As well as protecting the health and welfare of animals the Big Fix is working to strengthen the bonds between humans and animals. Their Comfort Dog Project which provides assistance dogs to war trauma survivors is working to extend the proven benefits of animal companionship to some of the most vulnerable people in one of the poorest parts of the world.
The Big Fix Uganda is the hardest working and most dynamic charity whose goals and results constantly show it to be punching above it’s weight! The scope and commitment of this tiny team is breathtaking and I’m inspired and think they are an excellent example of charity and all it can do.
Such moving and inspiring work is being done here – for both humans and animals. It's really heartwarming and equally essential. Congratulations to all involved and keep up the good work!
I've been supporting the Big fix for a number of years now. Throughout this time the communication has been fantastic, informative and heartwarming. While I've been aware of extra ways to help it has never felt invasive or commercial. Being a donor feels like being a part of a family. When I lost my job and had to stop my donation briefly, they kept me on the donor mailing list while I organised myself. This meant a lot to me.
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Been in touch with the nonprofit for several years and think they are wonderful. I talk about them all the time and am visiting them in September!
I volunteered with the Big Fix during stays in Uganda for 3 years having used the service to operate on a cat I found with a terribly injured eye. Of all the activities I participated in in Uganda my time spent out in the bush assisting with the animal clinics were the best. It is the thing I miss most about no longer visiting Uganda. The people working for BF were amazing and the endless streams of clients enjoying the service for a very modest sum were able to take better care of their animals.
I've been donating to the Big Fix for many years, transparency is very important to me and the monthly emails with true life stories about the dogs and their caregivers make it all very personal. Your money is put to good use at The Big Fix to relieve suffering and fill a gap for hundreds of locals who have very few resources in Uganda.
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We give to a lot of charities but few make feel as good as giving to The Big Fix Uganda. We have been monthly donors for 2.5 years when there were only 10 monthly donors. I know that because an email was personally sent to the 10 of us, with our first names thanking us for our commitment. Now I hope there are many many more! The emails full of pictures and stories about the care each animal has received that month makes it very personal. I can literally see what my money is going toward. And it's so heartwarming to see the love the dogs receive, this will be a forever charity for me.
This organization holds a special place in my heart because it teaches people not to fear or distrust dogs, but instead, to view them as trusted companions. The Big Fix trains dogs to provide loyal support to guardians suffering from conditions like PTSD, at the same time providing homes for dogs that might otherwise go homeless. It’s a win-win that makes the world a better place.
Among the essential veterinary services the Big Fix provides in rural Uganda is rabies vaccination and surveillance. Rabies, commonly transmitted to people by domestic dog bites, predominantly affects poor populations in remote rural locations. Immediate treatment post exposure is costly and not readily available so prevention by vaccination of dogs is key to control. There are thousands of unnecessary rabies deaths annually in Africa, mostly in children. So one important way the Big Fix protects both animal and human health in northern Uganda is by providing rabies vaccination with their veterinary care and outreach.
The Big Fix does amazing work that has an enormous impact on the lives of both animals and people.
I’ve been a sponsor of The Comfort Dog Project for the past three years and am continually impressed with the high quality work they’re doing to address PTSD for the participants in this unique dog companionship intervention program. This project is a tremendous gift for the dogs and the people they’re paired with…and it’s just one of the many wonderful, life changing services Big Fix offers!
I love this organization so much! Having seen for myself the work they are doing on the ground in Uganda, I know the huge impact their work has on the community and far beyond. I can’t say enough good things. The comfort dog project is incredible and I have huge respect for all the people working so hard to transform and save lives.
The BIG FIX Uganda does amazing and inspiring work in a corner of the world where it's urgently needed. It provides the sole - free - veterinary clinic in Northern Uganda, and the Comfort Dog project is a model of animal-assisted therapy that benefits both humans and dogs alike. My family is honored to sponsor two "teams" and we are delighted to receive the many updates on their accomplishments. We support many charities, but I can't say there are others for which every single post or newsletter makes me happy to be part of such an important effort. I've appreciated the personal outreach - but most of all the dedication of the BIG FIX team to its mission.
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Wonderful group that is doing great work in Northern Uganda. Very responsive to donors, providing frequent - and interesting - updates.
I ran a fundraiser for them in my hometown a couple years ago and they were very supportive throughout the process. Once we donated the money collected they sent emails with images and stories of how our money helped which was great! So glad we could sponsor Joyce and Rubanga Ngeyo!
The BIG FIX Uganda are the real deal, they actually do what they say and help dogs (unlike some nonprofits that claim to but spend majority of their money paying their CEO). They give you wonderful updates that are emotional and heartbreaking and heartwarming after you discover how they've help the dogs in Uganda. You can trust The BIG FIX Uganda.
This is a wonderful charity.I first heard of it from a PBS special report. I was struck by the unique concept of bringing together trauma victims and homeless dogs, providing love and healing for both. This group not only provides this but also supports the only veterinary hospital in northern Uganda (treating all based on ability to pay) as well as incorporating the dog/human partners in a wide range of educational outreach...schools etc. The Big Fix is stellar in keeping its donors informed at all times,making them feel like part of a family. TBF is my favorite charity and certainly one of the most worthwhile.
This is a great cause and one I wholeheartedly support. Helping dogs and animals is such a noble cause :-) great work!!!
Fantastic humans and fantastic dogs.. A great non profit project that shows humanity is incredible and can do great things to improve people’s and animals lives
Great and urgently needed work for the welfare of animals and humans in Northern Uganda. Great reporting on the activities. High transparency.
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I have been a proud donor of The BIG FIX Uganda since 2017, and I currently have the honor of serving as a volunteer on the organization’s Executive Committee. I was drawn to The BIG FIX Uganda because of its mission and its high level of financial and operational efficiency, as well as transparency. It is important to me to support organizations that, in addition to having a positive impact on their clients and beneficiaries, also use their resources wisely. I am extremely impressed by the high-quality educational programs and life-saving veterinary services we provide to the people and animals of Northern Uganda – an area where no other organization is providing these critical programs and services. It brings me great satisfaction to be part of an incredibly dedicated, hard-working, compassionate team that is changing so many lives for the better on a daily basis!
I am proud to be a regular donor to The Big Fix Uganda and The Comfort Dog Project. I love the transparency of this charity - every year I receive a detailed financial statement showing exactly where money is spent to run its programs. I have requested this level of accounting from other charities but never received it. I know my money is being out to good use to help animals in an area where Big Fix is the only one offering help. As a donor, that makes me feel great.
I heard about The Big Fix Uganda through media and I found their project was brilliant. I wanted to help and started to fund the different projects they are working on, and I get news about my beloved team I’m actually sponsoring on a regular basis. So glad to be part of this great big family that is The Big Fix Uganda.
Proud to be a monthly supporter of The BIG FIX! A little nonprofit with a BIG heart.
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This is a charity that gets big things done with a small amount of money. Our staff in Uganda is so devoted and every day they are making a huge difference in the lives of people and animals. The BIG FIX Uganda also believes in staff and community welfare. We are one of very few employers in the region that provides medical insurance for our full time staff.
I can't think of a more amazing, inspirational charity. Though kindness, education and hard work The Big Fix has changed the lives of so many people and animals. They are the only veterinary clinic in Northern Uganda. They rescue street dogs and train them as companions for people traumatised by the horrors of the past. The guardians and their companions learn to love and trust each other and work as a team. This is life changing to everyone involved.
The Big Fix also cares for all animals offering worming, desexing, vaccinations and education. They reach out to schools and are helping these beautiful children to grow into caring, responsible adults.
I feel so privileged to be a part of the wonderful organisation.
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I have had nothing but admiration for this organisation since first hearing of them. Connecting with an animal is a life changing experience for anyone but for someone who has suffered unimaginable trauma in their life it is just magical. Combine this with animal welfare such as treatment, vaccination, neutering etc plus community education all I can say is WOW.
What a great future the Big Fix is helping to build in Northern Uganda.
This is such an amazing charity . We know dogs are amazing at helping people with trauma and the additional skills the guardians learn are invaluable too. What amazing work .
Worked with this amazing team to get a fundraiser off the ground to sponsor a comfort dog pair. We raised that and then some. I will never regret the work I put into raising the funds - it’s truly a wonderful cause.
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I can't say enough good things about The Big Fix. They're doing work that no one else is doing, with amazing results. IMO, The Big Fix is undertaking some of the most meaningful work in Africa today. I love receiving their newsletters and seeing the positive impact that they are having on Ugandans, both human and animal.
I am very proud to serve BIG FIX Uganda as it current President.
Our Ugandan staff members are exceptionally devoted to the mission of improving the lives of animals and people in Northern Uganda. I have been particularly impressed with their commitment to keep our veterinary hospital open during the COVID-19 pandemic and their diligence to keep everyone safe and healthy in the process.
Since I have taken office in September 2019, we have managed to make many improvements in our procedures and in our infrastructure. Our lead veterinary doctor, Dr. Josephine Nabakooza, and her staff are continually pushing to improve service provision and to do everything possible to save the lives of the patients that come to us.
We have hired one of our Comfort Dog Project graduates to serve as our dog welfare officer and have instituted a practice of regular follow up with all dogs we place.
We have also constructed a roundhouse for our Comfort Dog Project and are nearly finished constructing a new kennel building. These improvements will allow us to better serve the animals in need and to ensure that re-homing is successful.
We have also continued to forge partnerships with other organizations and individuals who share our mission.
Those who serve BIG FIX in the United States, including me, do so on a fully volunteer basis, and cover our own expenses when we travel to Uganda and the cost of our administrative overhead. We are committed to serving the people and animals of Northern Uganda and this year will exceed 75,000 animals treated since we beganin 2012.
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A very dedicated staff of Ugandans is changing the world for animals - and people - in Northern Uganda, all on a shoestring budget. Every week, they are taking a very effective education team to two more schools. The education team includes two very amazing comfort dogs! And the dog hospital is the only one in a vast region with extreme poverty. If not for BIG FIX, there would be so much suffering of animals in need.
This is the ONLY veterinary hospital providing medical care to animals in all of northern Uganda. They are open 24/7/365 to serve all animals in need.
The BIG FIX Uganda plays a critical role in promoting animal welfare, animal health, and human health in Northern Uganda. It provides vet services including spay/neuter and does not turn away anyone because they cannot pay.
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Big Fix Uganda runs the only veterinary hospital in Northern Uganda! It is a wonderful group of committed people who care about animals and their human guardians. They perform spay and neuter services, rabies vaccinations, and routine veterinary care that we take for granted in other parts of the world. Their Comfort Dog Program pairs civil war survivors with companion animals to manage PTSD. This charity has become an important part of the local community. Please support their good work!!!
The Big Fix Uganda is an amazing organization that works hard to achieve their goals. I know that when I donate to them that my money will be put to good use and real change will happen!
In the way that nothing is coincidence, my path was led to intersect with The Big Fix Uganda, that I might become a champion for a mission that’s purpose provides more than healthcare and wellbeing to animals, and to people. The Big Fix Uganda provides dignity, healing, and hope that cascades positive ripples far wider than the touching of the fur and human lives that come through their doors. Families and communities are also being transformed as a result of the individual animal and human lives that are met with a helping hand, and a caring heart, each and every time the mission of The Big Fix Uganda is carried out. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. - Leo Buscaglia. As you can see when you read the results, many lives have been given the gift of finding the smallest and biggest acts of caring thanks to all who support The Big Fix Uganda.
-Christine (Champion)
I fell in love with The Big Fix Uganda as soon as I heard about it. This organization has found a great and effective way to help both victims of PTSD and homeless dogs. I chose to support them because they are very transparent about how the money is used and make sure to use it as cost effective as possible. I believe that they do a huge impact in Uganda, both short-term with free animal care and vaccinations and in the long run with educating students about animal laws and how to take care of animals.
I came across this charity in 2019 when I saw the BBC documentary about their work. I was so touched by the impact they have on the lives of both animals and people - so much so that I immediately got in touch with them. My donation received I got a wonderful email and was very impressed with what such a lean charity does with its donations. I am very pleased to now be committed to involved with them and hopefully sometime in the future to visit Uganda and see the work myself! A wonderful charity that I am proud to be associated with!
I volunteered with this wonderful charity on a number of occasions, whilst living in Gulu, going out into the 'Bush' to assist with treatments and operations, on a great many animals. The staff were truly inspiring, working very long days in difficult situations, with minimal equipment. I am delighted to have now been made an Honorary Member and to offer my support, albeit limited, as every dollar donated goes a long way in Uganda.
From what I have seen and heard this is a great cause and valuable asset to the animals in that part of the world
As Acting President of the Big Fix Uganda - it has been my great honor working with the Executive Committee of The Big Fix Uganda to meet the daily challenges on the ground with our very able staff in Uganda serving the health and welfare needs of animals and the people of Uganda. I wish to give a sincere shout out not only to our able staff but to all the volunteers who have taken time out of their busy lives to come to Uganda and spend time with us at The Big Fix - sharing and gaining life changing knowledge and experiences. All of us - US Board and the Executive Committee - are excited for what the future holds for The Big Fix Uganda. We thank and appreciate all of our current supporters and seek the help of those who would consider coming along side of us in support of The Big Fix mission. Come support our friends in Uganda - two and four legs!
Big Fix is doing a fantastic and paramount work in North Uganda. They have helped us a lot with a kitten we found in the street and the work with the dogs is great regarding the numerous issues with street dogs.
TheBigFixUganda 08/08/2019
Thank you so much for your support!
This is an amazing program founded and funded on a grass roots effort. The clinic is the ONLY one in existence in Northen Uganda which has been torn apart by civil war and constant oppression.
The veterinarians who man the trenches are doing a thankless job in offering free or low cost spays and neuters, vaccinations, wellness care and canine obedience training to the poverty stricken population. Please watch the video and if it doesn't make your heart weep, you need help.
In a country so traumatized by war and poverty it is a blessing that this organization provides not only educational opportunities for children but companion animals for PTSD sufferers. It offers comfort to needy pets and the people who live with them.
This is a great group, doing so much good in a little corner of the world. They help and support both vulnerable and very needy people and dogs, bringing them together in life-saving partnerships, as well as educating them. War PTSG survivors and homeless dogs are matched and given training...the Comfort Dog Project. A veterinary clinic is sponsored, and people from miles away bring in their pets for care and further education in health care, vaccinations etc., only paying what they can afford. Donors know exactly where their money goes as it goes directly to the folks who the recipients, and TBF does so much with each dollar. They are so very good at frequently keeping donors up to date on their compassionate work with personal letters and photos as I’ve not seen another charity do. TBF is my favorite charity and one that I heartily support.
Such an amazing group of people doing wonderful work for pets in Uganda. We appreciate such magnanimous efforts and love supporting such a great cause.
One evening I read a story on NPR that changed my life. It was the story of The Big Fix Uganda. After reading I new I needed to reach out to help support. I feel lucky to be a part of donating dog collars and leashes to them. They are a great example of my business model for Le Sniff Collars. They have expectational staff that work to support dogs but also people. This is bigger than just providing spay and neuter, this is giving both humans and dogs the chance to feel safe and have unconditional love. I will always support this organization as long as I can and as long as my hands can sew.
I manage a non-profit in Gulu, Uganda where The Big Fix is located. I am well aware of the work they do in the villages vaccinating dogs and educating people on taking care of their dogs. Most people here don't have the extra money for their dogs. The work they do is so important and valuable to people here in nothern Uganda. I've even use them to take care of our goats and dogs.
I’ve been a supporter of this charity for several years and give a monthly donation, for some reason the work they do strikes a chord with me. I went down to Uganda to volunteer with The Big Fix in September of 2017 and was blown away by what they’re doing on a shoestring budget. My $50/month goes so far down there, made me realize how good we have it in the US and that perhaps, I should make coffee at home and donate the money saved by forgoing the coffee shop to the Big Fix. We did so many things. An animal field clinic where dogs and cats were vaccinated, dewormed, and given flea and tick meds. By the way, flea and ticks are an epidemic down there, they need those medicines badly! I spent over an hour pulling ticks off of a sweet dog named Rosie, never seen anything like it in my life. We went to an area that has never received any veterinary services and provided rabies vaccines to 486 dogs in ONE day! Those vaccines aren’t cheap, I’m so impressed with the way the Big Fix provides all of this free of charge to the people who come to the field clinics. Some of these people walked 15 miles to get to us! I could go on and on about everything they do, the 21 Animal Kindness Clubs with the schoolchildren, the Comfort Dog Project with war survivors, spay/neuter, vaccinations, education, the weekly radio show they do that reaches over 2 million people people in Uganda, Southern Sudan, and Rwanda; wholeheartedly support and can attest to the ethics of this NGO.
The programs that this nonprofit provides is amazing! They touch so many people with their services. The education they offer the children for animals is great and also the dogs they train for those with PTSD is a blessing.
This great organization brings desperately needed help to the animals and people of Uganda. That's awesome!!!!
The BIG FIX Uganda allows people to get much needed veterinary services for their dogs and cats that would otherwise not be available to them. Through the BIG FIX's Outreach Program to local schools, children are taught the value of animals and how to properly take care of them. I especially like how the BIG FIX finds companion dogs for veterans who suffer from PTSD to help them re-acclimate into society.
My daughter went to Uganda in 2012 and learned about the need for veterinary services and animal welfare education in the former war-torn region of Northern Uganda. She partnered with Makerere University Vet School and founded this organization and tens of thousands of people and their animals have been helped as a result. She volunteers her time, working 50+ hours a week, and has done so for 5 years, to help create and fund these programs. This is a true grassroots organization operating on a shoestring budget and accomplishing a lot.
TheBigFixUganda 08/08/2019
This review was written by Sarah Schmidt, Board Member of The Big Fix.
TheBigFixUganda 08/08/2019
This review was written by Sarah Schmidt, Board Member of The Big Fix.