Paws up to volunteer for the Red Puppy appeal

Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB)
11 February 2008
Media release

Paws up! Who wants to volunteer for the Red Puppy Appeal?

The RNZFB needs volunteer street collectors to help raise over $1 million for the Red Puppy Appeal (4-6 April).

"Red Puppies" are guide dog puppies that wear bright red coats when they're out and about.

"Guide dogs make a huge difference to the lives of blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders, and the demand is increasing," says Dianne Armstrong, Head of Regional Fundraising.

"With no government funding for guide dogs, we rely on the support of the public and volunteer collectors on the streets during the appeal."

Guide dogs mean freedom, independence, confidence and companionship for 253 handlers.

Help give power to the Red Puppies so, as guide dogs, they can empower blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.

Just one hour can make a huge difference. If you can spare some time between 4-6 April, please phone 0800 REDPUPPY (0800 733 787) to speak with your nearest RNZFB Regional Fundraising Manager, or apply online at www.redpuppy.org.nz.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

Image attached of an RNZFB Red Puppy.

Guide dogs are provided to members free of charge, but cost the RNZFB over $22,500 to breed, raise, train and match.

The RNZFB is the primary provider of vision-related rehabilitation services to 11,700 blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.

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