27 February 2009

The Red Puppy Appeal is on soon, but the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) still needs hundreds more volunteer collectors to help!

"We aim to raise more than $1 million for our Guide Dog Services during the Red Puppy Appeal and the more volunteer collectors we have, the better our chances," says Alison Wheatley, Executive Director Marketing and Fundraising.

"By volunteering your time, you can help our Red Puppies give freedom and independence to a blind, deafblind or vision-impaired person."

The Red Puppy Appeal is on 3-5 April and is named after the red jackets that guide dog puppies wear when they're out and about.

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.
• 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.

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.