What started out a single cake sale soon evolved into a huge fundraising effort that raised over $17,000 for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's (RNZFB's) Guide Dog Services, thanks to the efforts of local woman Di Henderson and the amazing Hokitika community.

Di was inspired to raise the money after hearing that Christchurch man Blair McConnell's guide dog Jasper died after being hit by a truck earlier this year.

"I thought we'd raise a few hundred dollars but never thought things would get this big! The items donated for this auction were incredible and the support from the Hokitika community was fantastic," says Di, who is also a RNZFB member and shares the same eye condition as Blair.

Di went from baking cakes to collecting impressive auction items ranging from signed memorabilia from Jonah Lomu, Michael Campbell and Commonwealth gold medallist runner Dick Taylor to a helicopter flight over the glaciers, all of which sold.

"We were amazed by the generosity of people," says Di. "One woman bid for and won an item for $490 and somehow she found out we had expected more for that item and completely unprompted, she increased the bid to $1,000!"

The Hokitika community's fundraising efforts have meant that they will get to sponsor and name a guide dog puppy. Guide Dog Services receives NO government funding so relies on public donations, legacies and sponsorship to raise the $22,500 required to breed, raise, train and match one guide dog.

RNZFB Divisional Manager Fundraising, Patrick Holmes, says the enthusiasm and goodwill of members and their communities towards the Foundation is critical if it is to raise the $15 million needed each year to provide essential services to blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.

"Without the public's support we simply could not deliver critical services to our 11,500 members," says Patrick.

"On behalf of the Foundation I'd like to personally thank Di and the Hokitika community for this outstanding achievement, and we look forward to sharing updates on their sponsored guide dog puppy!"

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For further information please contact:

Sarah Byers, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator on (09) 355 6906 or 021 752 875

Or Jude Cooney, Communications Manager on (09) 355 6923 or 021 547 025