News
- Fashion for Foundation
- Funkiest eyeglasses in the land
- Volunteer awards
- Christian literature
- RNZFB member cards
- Blind bowls turns 50
- Blind week results
- Please inform us!
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Fashion for Foundation
The Zonta Club of Metropolitan Dunedin hosted its fourth annual fashion show on 10 September and it was one of their most successful events ever! This year, the club has generously donated $16,000 to the RNZFB to help pilot a self-esteem programme for blind and vision-impaired women in Otago. Called "RNZFB ZONTA Inner Strength, Outer Beauty", the programme will cover issues that deal with self confidence, self image, grooming, clothing selection, make up application and women's health issues. It's the first programme of its kind and is being launched by the Dunedin branch of the Foundation early next year.
Funkiest eyeglasses in the land
Funky Eye Friday was held again this year on 29 August. More than 700 funky sunglass creations flooded into the Foundation from primary and intermediate schools all over New Zealand. Held as part of Save Our Sight month, the sunglass competition encouraged children and their families to have regular eye checks. The winners were:
North Island
1st - Phillip Tupaea, 7 yrs, Waipawa Primary
2nd - Renee Bottcher, 10 yrs, Riverdale School
3rd - Zoe Arnold, 9 yrs, Nelson Park School
South Island
1st - Lydia Evans, 9 yrs, St Patrick's School
2nd - Tim Ward, Amberley School
3rd - Jessica Brash, 8 yrs, Waihopai School
Volunteer awards
The Retired Persons Association of New Zealand (Inc) presents annual awards to senior citizens who are outstanding volunteers in their local communities. This year, three of the six Auckland winners are RNZFB volunteers. These are George Frost, Marjorie Green and Daphne Gordon, all of whom were awarded silver medals.
Christian literature
Bibles, autobiographies, Christian teaching and fiction are now available in Braille, large print and audio from the Christian Ministries With Disabled Trust. They have a range of titles specifically for people with disabilities and for care-givers including testimonies on overcoming adversity that are available to Foundation members around the country.
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The Trust also holds quarterly "Torch" meetings in Auckland that are a time for support and encouragement. For more information contact Julia Brown, Christian Ministries With Disabled Trust, PO Box 13322, Onehunga, Auckland. Ph/Fax 09 636 4763.
RNZFB member cards
The new member cards are now available. The cards now have space for your date of birth (optional) so that they can be used as ID. To get your new card call 0800 24 33 33 and select option 1. You will be sent a form which you need to return with a $15 cheque and a passport-sized photo.
Blind bowls turns 50
Labour Weekend saw Indoor Bowls for the Blind and Visually Impaired celebrating its 50th anniversary by holding its 50th tournament in Wellington, where the competition started half a century ago. 115 competitors took part in the tournament with around 200 guests attending the Jubilee dinner. A gift pack consisting of a booklet commemorating the first 50 years, a badge and a printed pen was given to all competitors and their guides. There are 16 indoor bowls clubs for the blind and vision-impaired throughout the country.
New members are always welcome, with coaching available. For more information contact Mrs Phyllis Fox, NZ Blind and Visually Impaired Indoor Bowlers Federation Inc. 3 Kelston St, New Lynn, Auckland, ph 09 827 4250.
Blind week results
Thanks to everyone involved in this year's Blind Week appeal. We had great fun out there in our bright orange arrows! The money's rolling in and the BNZ is busy counting. We'll bring you the final figures in the next edition.
Please inform us!
If you are a member of the Foundation, please remember to notify us if you change your address or phone number. We like to keep you informed on Foundation matters so letting us know promptly of any change to your contact details is very helpful. Also a reminder for family and friends of members, please let us know if a member has passed away so that we may amend our records and save you the distress of receiving unwanted mail.
To get in contact with us phone 0800 24 33 33 or write to us, Private Bag 99941, Newmarket, Auckland.