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DAISY update

The Foundation's studios are continuing to record talking books in the DAISY format which offers much better navigation of books and magazines. Titles previously recorded on magnetic tape are being converted to the DAISY format. Research continues into the best way to distribute the new talking books. Options include compact discs, solid state memory storage devices, and internet delivery.

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Success at Paralympics

Our congratulations to Tim Prendergast and Daniel Sharp for their success at the Paralympics! Tim won a gold medal in the men's 800m and Daniel won a bronze medal in the 100m breaststroke. Tim and Daniel - who both have Stargardts Syndrome - together accounted for almost one-fifth of the medals grabbed by kiwi Paralympians. And they were perhaps "extra stoked" by winning their medals, as they had both just missed out on the medals in their previous events. What a fantastic achievement! We hope to see Tim fulfil his dream of competing in the next Paralympics and the Olympic Games in 2008.

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Blind lawn bowlers win trans-Tasman competition

Congratulations to the members of the New Zealand Blind Lawn Bowling team for their magnificent win over the Australian top team recently. Twelve of our best players, their directors and manager Karen Brown, travelled to Melbourne in August for a five day tournament against the Aussies and they brought back the coveted Daniels-Flett Shield to New Zealand for the first time since the Trans-Tasman series began in 1988! The next trans-Tasman competition will be held in New Zealand in March 2006.

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ASB financial news on TIS

ASB Bank's latest market information, news and financial reports are now available on TIS. Called "ASB BankTalk" and launched at the end of October, the service enables RNZFB members to access financial and investment news and information simply and easily, without requiring a computer and expensive synthesised voice software. To access ASB BankTalk - phone your local TIS number, and select 8 then 1. There are nine ASB BankTalk menu items including ASB Bank foreign exchange rates, lending interest rates and investment rates, and a weekly, monthly and quarterly economic report.

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Blind sailor competes against sighted peers

Volunteer firefighter, Dave Allerton of Waitara, recently competed at the World Firefighters Games in Sheffield, England, in the Sailing Laser Class 1 competition. Usually classed in the Blind Sport Sight Category B2, Dave

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competed in an open fleet - against fully-sighted fellow firefighters. Dave also recently ran a sailing school for blind and vision impaired people at Waitara, after which five joined the Waitara Yacht Club!

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International Volunteer Day, 5 December

In 1985 the United Nations designated December 5 for an annual celebration by communities and governments of everything that is achieved by volunteers. New Zealand is one of more than half the countries in the world which celebrate the people who so generously give their time and skills - and everyone here at the Foundation knows how valuable and indispensable our volunteers are!

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Volunteer wins Civic Award

The services of long serving Foundation volunteer Ella Mason were recently recognised in the annual Hutt City Council Civic Awards. The awards recognize outstanding service to the city. By volunteering for the Foundation for 15 years and the Hutt Repertory for nearly 60 years, Ella more than qualifies for the award! Ella has been a regular Foundation volunteer since 1990 as a driver for bowls and other functions and co-ordinator of the Hutt blind indoor bowls group. Organising games, guides and transport for the 22 players, Ella has been a wonderful support. Thanks for your support over the years and congratulations on your award!

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Blind Week success

As of 18th November, the money raised during Blind Week was $955,000 with plenty more yet to be counted. Looks like we are on track to meet our target of $1million! Thanks to the support of our outstanding staff and volunteers!

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Needs assessors here to help

Have your circumstances changed or your vision deteriorated recently? Are you having difficulty managing around the home, or is getting out and about a major quest? Do you require a reassessment of your needs? Contact the Needs Assessor at your local office or phone 0800 24 33 33 for assistance. Remember help is only a phone call away.

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Corrections

We apologise for the following errors in the September issue:

1. Maryanne Hannan's surname should have been spelt "Hannen".

2. Russell Smith, QSM recipient, is not a member of the RNZFB.

3. It is the New Zealand Vodafone Foundation, not Vodafone who donated $50,000.

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