Features
- Blind Week 2002: 29 October - 4 November
- People, People, People
- Door Knock Appeal
- Street Collection
- Your support does make a difference
- Pick up the phone NOW!
Page 7
Blind Week 2002: 29 October - 4 November
Blind Week 2002 is promising to be the best we have seen yet. This year we are going to be seen and we are going to stand out in the crowd. To make sure this happens we need your participation.
An annual event, Blind Week gives the Foundation an invaluable opportunity to appeal for money, so that we can maintain our essential, specialised services to more than 12,500 blind and sight-impaired New Zealanders.
People, People, People
The key ingredient for raising money in Blind Week is the support we receive from volunteers. We need at least 18,000 volunteers nation-wide to assist with Blind Week's Door Knock and Street Collection.
Door Knock Appeal
Each year, thousands of collectors nation-wide take to the pavements in their local communities to raise the awareness of the Foundation and most importantly, to collect needed funds.
It only takes 2 hours and you could make some new friends while getting some exercise!
Street Collection
Foundation collectors will be rattling their buckets and creating an atmosphere of fun and philanthropy! Street collectors in the busy pedestrian areas of major
Page 8
centres are a wonderful way for the Foundation to create a visible presence. In 2002 we are planning to create a huge impact on the streets with as many collectors as possible.
Your support does make a difference
Each year the need for Foundation services grows. It costs over $18 million a year to provide the current level and range of RNZFB services to over 12,500 members. The government provides limited support and as competition increases across the charity sector the need for volunteer help grows in importance.
One of our most committed volunteers is Peter Illsley, Blind Week manager in Tauranga for 9 years and Lions Club member of 23 years. Peter loves the aspect of meeting people when out collecting, and feels that it "brings out the good in people everywhere." Peter became involved in the Foundation through the service that Lions Club provide world-wide to the blind and was appointed as an RNZFB advisory committee member in 1998. "When my mother started losing her sight," says Peter,
"I increased my involvement in the Foundation so that I could give something back to the community." Each year in preparation for Blind Week, Peter sets goals with his team to equal or better what they have collected in previous years.
"It's all about working together as a team," he says.
"I've already started planning for this year's appeal, with some fun fundraising ideas like 'pig in a barrel'," Peter says enthusiastically.
Pick up the phone NOW!
You can register online by visiting www.rnzfb.org.nz or just call 0800 002 345 and you will be connected with your regional office. You can then chat with them about how you and your friends can get involved in Blind Week 2002. Call now and use this fantastic opportunity to make a difference in the life of a blind or sight-impaired person and make an impact on the streets!