Wanted - one army for the Foundation's Appeal

From: The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind

Wanted - one army for the Foundation's October appeal

The Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind is already on the look out for an 'army' of well-organised, energetic volunteers to help them raise $1 million during their annual Appeal in late October.

"Our aim is to get over 15,000 volunteers knocking on doors of households throughout New Zealand," says Carol White, Marketing Operations Manager for the Foundation's national appeals.

"We have already recruited our volunteer managers and some of our area co-ordinators. What we need now are people who are willing to contribute 2-3 hours of their time - to collecting donations and helping with office and administration work - essential tasks in every Blind Week appeal."

Ms White says that a successful appeal depends on the goodwill and support of volunteers, "These dedicated, unpaid workers are the key people in a huge operation like a national appeal.

"If we can raise enough volunteer support we can meet our million dollar target and that means we can continue to provide essential services to blind and sight-impaired New Zealanders.

"We are fortunate that some of our volunteers help year after year, which is a big advantage as they get to know the organisation and the ins and outs of how the appeals work".

The Foundation appreciates the large role that service clubs play in helping to raise awareness and donations for blind and sight-impaired New Zealanders. Carol White says that Lions, Rotary, schools, as well as church groups, business groups and other community organisations give the Foundation fantastic volunteer support during the annual appeals.

This year the Blind Week appeal runs from Tuesday 24 October through to Monday 30 October.

The Foundation would like to build its volunteer teams up well in advance of the appeal date. If anyone is interested in helping the Foundation by volunteering 2-3 hours (or more) of their time they can phone 0800 272 4553 and ask to speak to their nearest regional event manager.
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For further information, please contact Catherine Hennessy, Communications Co-ordinator, RNZFB, Ph: (09) 355-6884, 021-687-426.

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