Out and about with Sandra
Photograph: Sandra Budd with a RNZFB puppy in training.
Message from the Chief Executive
A very warm welcome to our first edition of Outlook for 2011. Before I provide my update, I'd like to acknowledge those who have been affected by the most recent Christchurch earthquake.
It has been a time of great heartache for all of us and I think every New Zealander has a connection to Christchurch in their heart. From a RNZFB perspective, our response began almost immediately to check on the health and safety of our Canterbury members by phone, with the collaboration of our consumer organisations. A week later, we had a team of trained specialists on the ground to visit members, help make their home environments safe again, assess orientation and mobility needs, check on guide dogs and provide replacement equipment and the essentials of food and water.
The impacts of the earthquake will be felt for some time and I assure you that we are continuing to provide support where it is needed. We have included a special feature on the earthquake and how to be prepared for a natural disaster, which can be found on page 8.
I would now like to update you on what's been happening since I was last in touch. I'm delighted to recognise the recent achievement of our RNZFB Ambassador and former Chairman, Don McKenzie at the 2010 Attitude Awards. Don was elected to the Attitude Hall of Fame, an accolade which has only occurred once before. This Award, presented by the Governor General and patron of RNZFB, Sir Anand Satyanand, recognises Don's significant contribution to the disability community. Congratulations to Don for this outstanding achievement.
RNZFB member and Paralympics cyclist Jayne Parsons was also recognised at the Attitude Awards for courage in sport. You can read more about Jayne's amazing achievements, on page 18.
You may recall an article in the last edition of Outlook about our new website. I'm pleased to announce that our website was named winner of the 'Best Accessibility' category of the prestigious ONYA Awards. These awards celebrate those who design and create New Zealand's best websites and we're thrilled to be a winner.
Red Puppy Appeal was held from 1-3 April and alongside our annual street appeal this year we launched Red Puppy Bikkie Day. This gave our supporters the chance to raise funds in their own way and it has been very successful.
Finally, we really want your thoughts shared in Outlook so we're launching a 'Letter to the editor' section. We encourage you to write in for the chance to have your voice heard.
Warmest regards,
Sandra Budd
Chief Executive
Photograph: Don McKenzie at the Attitude Awards. Photo courtesy of Attitude Pictures.
To send a 'Letter to the editor' simply email comms@rnzfb.org.nz. Please keep to a maximum of 150 words. We can't promise space for all, but a selection will be printed in our next edition.