Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB)
Media Release
4 April 2008

Red Puppy Appeal starts TODAY!
A drop in the bucket will help raise Red Puppy Power
 
Thousands of volunteer collectors will be tugging at the leash to get out and about TODAY, Saturday and Sunday with their buckets for the Red Puppy Appeal. 

They aim to raise over $1 million to help breed, raise, train and match world-class guide dogs for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

Collectors will be in shopping malls, supermarkets and on the high street in their bright red vests.

You can even donate if you’re staying home out of the rain: donate $3 by texting RED to 469; or donate $20 by phoning 0900 RED PUPPY (733 787).

Dianne Armstrong, Head of Regional Fundraising, says, “It costs over $22,500 to breed, raise, train and match a guide dog with its handler.  And none of that is government money, so we need your help!”

Guide dogs mean freedom, independence, confidence and companionship to 252 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.  Guide dogs are provided to RNZFB members free of charge.

So why not do your bit to empower blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders?  Help us raise over $1 million and give power to the puppies!

ENDS

For more information please contact:

Teuila Field, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, Ph 09 355 6906 or 021 810 003
Or
Caitlin Sinclair, RNZFB Communications Co-ordinator, Ph 09 355 6884 or 021 802 095