Guide Dogs ‘Dig’ New Breeding Centre
30 January 2008
On Thursday, 24 January, over 50 staff, members and friends of the
RNZFB gathered for an unusual groundbreaking ceremony at the site of
the new guide dog breeding centre in Manurewa.
In a twist to befit the occasion and the four-legged VIPs present, two
of the Foundation’s breeding stock dogs, German Shepherd Dell and
Labrador Retriever Harper, broke the ground, digging for treats.
The new breeding centre, due for completion in August 2008 will mean
more space to breed approximately 110 guide dog puppies each
year.
Helen McKenzie, Divisional Manager of Adaptive Living, says, “Our staff
do an outstanding job. We’re delighted at the opportunity to build
modern facilities which will allow us to expand and introduce the
latest international programmes in early puppy development. We’ve
simply outgrown the old breeding centre, and we are keen to move
in!”
Funding for the $1m-plus facility is being provided by private donors
and charitable trusts. An $865,000 grant was received from an anonymous
donor, $457,000 from the Lillian Valder Charitable Trust, and a
$227,000 grant is to be provided by the ASB Community Trust.
Ends
For further information please contact:
Caitlin Sinclair, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, ph: 09 355
6884/021 802 095 csinclair@rnzfb.org.nz
