This year's Red Puppy Appeal was a paw stompin', tail waggin' winner for the RNZFB's Guide Dog Services, raising $1 million nationally.

Volunteer collectors in bright red "Puppy Power" collector vests hit the streets around the country on 30 March – 1 April, raising much needed cash for Guide Dog Services.

"The success of the Red Puppy Appeal has well and truly surpassed any of our expectations and thanks has to be given to the many volunteers, donors and organisations like Bayleys Realty Group, for their incredible support," says Patrick Holmes, RNZFB Divisional Manager, Fundraising.

"Guide Dog Services receives no Government funding so continued public support is absolutely vital. Thank-you to everyone who helped during the appeal or donated. We couldn’t have done it without you."

The Red Puppy Appeal, formally known as the Guide Dog Appeal, was a fresh and fun campaign featuring gorgeous guide dog puppies in their red training coats – hence "Red Puppies".

The RNZFB is the primary provider of vision-related services to 11,700 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people. Just one-third of the RNZFB's $22m annual operating budget comes from Government sources. The RNZFB has to fundraise the rest.

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Jane Gower, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, Ph: 09 355 6884 or 021 357 412