26 October 2007

Whatever the weather this weekend, Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) volunteer collectors will hit the streets from Friday to Sunday (26-28 October), aiming to raise over $1 million for Blind Week 2007.

The forecast may not be bright but the volunteers will be.  They’ll be donning fluorescent orange vests to ensure they’re easy to spot.   

This year’s “See the Difference You Make” campaign invites donors to see the huge impact their generosity has had on the RNZFB’s 11, 700 members.

Dianne Armstrong, Head of Regional Fundraising Manager, says, “This year’s campaign is really positive, showing people exactly how their donations are helping Foundation members to lead more independent lives.”

“Feedback so far shows that the campaign is being extremely well received and we hope that this will translate into full collection buckets!”

Donors who don’t want to brave the weather can give over the phone or online.   They can donate $3 by texting BLIND to 469.   To donate $20 they can call 0900 4BLIND (0900 4 25463).   For online donations people can visit www.blindweek.org.nz.

Blind Week donations help ensure the Foundation can continue to give blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders the essential support they need.    RNZFB services include: training so that members can get around safely and manage everyday tasks like cooking and cleaning, Talking Books, adaptive technology training, job placement, counseling, guide dogs, advocacy and much more.

Just one-third of the RNZFB’s $22m annual operating budget comes from government sources.  The Foundation relies on public donation.

ENDS

For further information please contact:

Teuila Field, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, ph: 09 355 6909/021 810 003 tfield@rnzfb.org.nz

Caitlin Sinclair, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, ph: 09 355 6884/021 802 095 csinclair@rnzfb.org.nz