27 March 2009

The RNZFB’s Red Puppy Appeal will be off to a paw-stomping start next week, running 3-5 April.

The appeal is all about giving “Power to the Puppies” so they can grow up to become life-changing guide dogs.

The RNZFB’s Executive Director Marketing and Fundraising Alison Wheatley says, “The Red Puppy Appeal is a really vital part of our year. We provide guide dogs to our members for free but guide dogs are made, not born and each one costs over $22, 500 to breed, raise, train and match to a blind person."

“We get no government funding for this essential service and we’re relying on the generosity of New Zealanders to raise over $1 million so we can continue to provide world-class guide dogs.”

Guide dogs mean freedom, independence and confidence for around 240 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired handlers across the country, and demand is increasing.

Look out for volunteers in bright red vests with Red Puppy Appeal collection buckets, from Friday 3 April to Sunday 5 April. You can also support the appeal by texting RED to 2450 to donate $3, or make an automatic $20 donation by calling 0900 RED PUPPY (733 787). For online donations, visit www.redpuppy.org.nz

ENDS

For more information please contact:
Teuila Field, RNZFB Communications Coordinator, Ph: 09 355 6906 or 021 810 003
Caitlin Sinclair, RNZFB Communications Coordinator, Ph 09 355 6884 or 021 802 095