Volunteers
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Volunteer News
Advisory committees are a vital part of the Foundation's volunteer services. Committee members provide a wide range of activities and support to Foundation members living in their local communities. In this issue of Outlook we want to recognise the important work they do.
Advisory committees normally meet on a regular basis. As part of their overall role in the local community they work towards:
- Enhancing the delivery of services to blind and sight-impaired people in their area.
- Raising community awareness of the needs of people with vision impairment and
- Assisting with fundraising activities, such as the Foundation's two major appeals, the Guide Dog Appeal and Blind Week.
Over the years several committee members, who have given tremendous support to their local communities, have been recognised for their dedicated work for the Foundation and other community organisations and have been awarded honours in the Queen's Birthday Honours, New Year Honours and the renamed New Zealand Royal Honours.
The honours for community service reflects the caliber of these hardworking individuals and the Foundation is very fortunate to have them as part of our volunteer structure.
Some of the other activities they organise include: Bowls (indoor and outdoor); craft groups; pottery classes; keep fit classes; book clubs; meetings for new members; coffee mornings; Active Living Groups; ten pin bowling; home and hospital visits; member's birthdays; telephone tree; talking book machine co-ordination and maintenance; member's socials, guest speakers and entertainment.
They also organise trips and visits to a variety of places such as gardens, museums, sailing, riverboat and steam train trips, tandem bike rides, and even walks along the beach.
Organising events usually falls on a small group of people who spend a considerable amount of time and energy ensuring that all arrangements are made so members can enjoy the activities provided.
Without these faithful people who volunteer their services to help both our members and our staff, many of those good ideas would never be put into practice.
Ian Standeven, Wellington Volunteer Locality Co-ordinator says: "I appreciate the commitment that advisory committee members make to ensure that activities take place. The feedback I hear indicates that RNZFB members also appreciate the activities and support you provide. Thank you all."
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If you would like to assist with activities in your area, please contact your local Foundation office or phone 0800 24 33 33 for the details of the chairperson or secretary of your local advisory committee.
RNZFB Certificates
At a series of recent functions in the lower North Island, RNZFB Board Certificates have been presented to the following people for their long service to the Foundation and our members.
Wellington
15 years service: Peg Billings, Lou Nichols, Doreen Turner, Edna Waters.
10 years: David Burson, Carolyn Diessl, Sue Harding.
Gisborne
15 years: Josephine McIntyre.
Wairoa
46 years: Colin Browne, Joyce Browne.
40 years: Lillian Mills, JP, QSM.
35 years: Val Kelliher, Laurie Helleyer, Marie Helleyer.
15 years: Bill Dixon.
Wairarapa
Outstanding service: Kirsty Campbell.
15 years: Bev McNeilage.
25 years: Phyllis Muir.
20 years: Ron Stantiall.
Palmerston North
25 years: Jack Shortt.
10 years: Kay Coles, Doreen Grubb, Brian Jones, John Stewart, Colleen Walker.
Feilding
15 years: Ann Hill, Mary Mason, Peg McNaught.
Stratford
11 years: Dawn Dresser.