2 February 2009

Thousands of volunteers from across the country are desperately needed for the Red Puppy Appeal, Friday 3 to Sunday 5 April.

During the appeal, the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) aims to raise more than $1 million to fund its Guide Dog Services.

"The Foundation doesn't get any government funding to provide guide dogs, so when people volunteer as collectors, they're helping us to provide this essential service," says Alison Wheatley, Executive Director Marketing and Fundraising.

"Guide dogs make a huge difference to the lives of blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders, and the demand is increasing."

There are about 240 guide dog handlers in New Zealand who benefit from the freedom, independence, confidence and companionship that a guide dog gives them.

The RNZFB provides guide dogs to its members for free, but each guide dog costs over $22,500 to breed, raise, train and match to a blind person.

People who are interested in volunteering can phone 0800 RED PUPPY (0800 733 787) or apply online at www.redpuppy.org.nz

Ends

Notes to Editors:

• The RNZFB gives blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people the skills to do everyday things, like getting from home to work, cooking dinner or surfing the net. Providing guide dogs is one of their many services.
• The RNZFB's specialist Guide Dog Services staff breed guide dog puppies, train them and then match them to a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person.

For more information please contact:

Teuila Field, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, Ph: 09 355 6906 or 021 810 003.

Caitlin Sinclair, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, Ph: 09 355 6884 or 021 802 095.