Out and about with Sandra
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Message from the Chief Executive
Hello everyone. It's been another busy few months at the RNZFB and there are no plans to slow down.
Election fever will be upon us by the time you read this and we have plenty of information on our website, www.rnzfb.org.nz, about the main political issues. We've focused a lot of energy on forging strong relationships with key policymakers this year and have met with representatives from all levels of Government. Many of these opportunities have come through our work alongside VISION 2020 NZ to raise awareness of the cost of blindness in our country. You can read more about the Clear Focus report on page 11.
We're also continuing to work closely with the Be. Accessible team, part of a social enterprise called Be. Institute set up by RNZFB member Minnie Baragwanath, who graces the cover of this magazine. We're excited to see the ground swell of support for the accessibility accreditation programme for New Zealand businesses in the build up to the Rugby World Cup. Find out more about Be. Accessible on page 12.
We commemorated Helen Keller Communication Day on 27 June by launching dedicated Helen Keller walls in some of our RNZFB offices. The theme of the walls is 'Ways we can experience joy without sight and hearing' and they feature art and writing from deafblind members, staff, friends and family. Deafblind member Phil Thorn has an amazing story, read it on page 15.
Photograph: Sandra Budd with a RNZFB puppy in training.
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The RNZFB had an outstanding Red Puppy Appeal this year, exceeding $1 million; a great achievement given the circumstances. This has much to do with our extremely generous volunteers who continue to support us year after year. Volunteer Awareness Week from 20-26 June was a great time to acknowledge our wonderful volunteers.
I would like to make mention of one volunteer in particular, Lorna Wilkinson, who passed away before learning she was the recipient of The Kiwibank Local Hero Award. Lorna was recognised for giving her time tirelessly to Guide Dog Services over many years. Her husband, friends and family are continuing to volunteer in Lorna's memory. We couldn't do it without them.
Blind Week is our next big appeal and takes place from 25-31 October. It will be celebrated with a nationwide Blind Week Bake-off event. We'll be asking our volunteers around the country to hold a baking event, such as a cake stall in their school, workplace, home, church or local club to help us raise funds.
In addition, we'll be contacting our supporters, through the post or online, to ask them for their support.
I managed to visit Vision Australia in June and spent a very useful couple of days with our colleagues there. We discussed their current strategy review and the impact of the environmental disasters we've both experienced on our ability to fundraise.
Unfortunately Christchurch continues to be rocked by sizeable aftershocks and our thoughts remain with our staff, members, families and friends there.
On that note, we do love to hear from you, our members, so please continue to send us your feedback.
Warmest regards,
Sandra Budd
Chief Executive
Photograph: Helen Keller Communication Day Wall.