Executive View
Page 4
Notes from the Chair
What a wonderful year we have had - the first full year as the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.
The three achievements I am most proud of are: First, the unanimous appointment by the Board of the very capable Paula Daye as the Foundation's CEO. Second, the endorsement of the 2004-2007 Strategic Plan after thorough consultation with members. And finally, Fundraising's record-breaking year - the backbone of the Foundation's services.
The Annual General Meeting at the end of October in Hamilton proved the ideal forum to acknowledge these successes and discuss issues of concern to members. At the meeting we announced the results of the election in which Geraldine Glanville and Linda Beck were reelected as Foundation Directors as was Dr John White (who stood unopposed in the Associate seat). At a special meeting, members passed a resolution in favour of remuneration of directors. The AGM was also when we announced this year's Chairman's Award recipient - Michael Turner. His outstanding service to the Foundation and the blind community over more than three decades as well as his promotion of braille literacy has inspired many people. I am sure that you will join me in congratulating Michael!
We have a lot to celebrate as the old year comes to a close and much to look forward to in the new year.
One of the projects we are expecting to finalise is the Cost of Blindness research. The study asked three main questions and we are hoping the answers will support our need to gain continuing financial support for individual blind and vision impaired New Zealanders from the State. The value of this research should be significant.
With Christmas just around the corner I would like to wish everyone a very special festive season. My thanks to the extraordinary support that we get every year from all of our corporate sponsors, donors and our thousands of volunteers - in community committees and other groups as well as individuals all over the country. Merry Christmas!
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Chief Executive's view
As I officially began my first year as Chief Executive, I wondered what challenges and successes 2004 would bring to the Foundation and its staff. I couldn't have been more surprised and pleased at many of the events that unfolded throughout the year.
Our partnership with Bayleys, announced in March, continues to grow with more than 13 puppies now fully sponsored (and over $450,000 raised). This helped achieve the most successful Guide Dog Appeal we have had. With $876,000 raised on the back of the highly creative "we need dogs" campaign by Saatchi & Saatchi, it has set a new benchmark.
September brought news that two of our members Tim Prendergast (gold) and Daniel Sharp (bronze) won medals in their events at the Paralympics. Congratulations Tim and Daniel!
In October we launched two new projects. TIS took another leap forward with the support of ASB Bank as we developed the new financial information service - ASB BankTalk. And Vodafone demonstrated their support with a special awareness week for their staff. It involved a number of different activities including inviting 23 Foundation members from around the country to Auckland to participate in "Workplace Buddy Day". They spent the day teamed up with a Vodafone staff member in an area of their skills or interest. Initial results are indicating another successful Blind Week appeal - thanks to our volunteer collectors - and publicity helped educate the public about who we are and what we do.
A special focus for the year has been the development of children's services and the future of children's education. The Foundation has made great progress in the development of services for children over the past five years. And (in association with Homai) the potential exists to provide children and their families with a world class service.
Another important activity has been attending regional forums. This ongoing consultation with associate members and members has been both valuable and extremely enjoyable.
Finally, I would like to give thanks to the staff, volunteers and supporters of the Foundation. With your continued commitment we face our challenges head-on and take pride in what we are able to offer blind and vision-impaired New Zealanders. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!