ADNZ raises a new record total during annual Appeal Week

MEDIA RELEASE

ADNZ raises a new record total during annual Appeal Week

New Zealanders have dug deep into their pockets and helped Assistance Dogs New Zealand Trust (ADNZ) raise a new record total of $45,000 during their annual appeal week.

That’s $13,000 more than the charitable trust collected last year, and needless to say Funding Development Manager Wendy Isaacs is thrilled with the result.

“We absolutely smashed our target for the year and we couldn’t be happier! Thank you so much to everyone who visited one of our ADNZ stands during Appeal Week,” she says.

“Every single cent donated by members of the public will go into helping our ADNZ pup programmes – from breeding and kennelling, to training, development and placement – and in turn help support more Kiwi individuals and families living with disabilities.”

ADNZ provides individually trained dogs to clients with a disability. Assistance dogs are trained to promote independent living, mobility, safety and companionship, and are specifically trained for the individual client’s needs – as diverse as autism, diabetes or cerebral palsy. The organisation evaluates each applicant and provides assessment, training and follow-up accordingly.

The life cost of an assistance dog is $48,000. There is a waiting list of more than 40 families and the current waiting time is now three to four years. ADNZ fields an average of eight to 10 new enquiries every week.

The majority of the organisation’s funding comes from community-based donations, through events and programmes such as Appeal Week and puppy sponsorship.

Appeal Week is ADNZ’s main event and is a huge national fundraising campaign. From Auckland to Dunedin, and everywhere in between, dedicated volunteers and their four-legged friends set up stands in shopping centres, supermarkets and public meeting points to appeal to the public’s generosity.

The outpouring of Kiwi kindness was immense, and CEO Julie Hancox wants to thank everyone who opened their hearts and wallets to support their cause.

“When you see what a difference an ADNZ dog can make – not just for an individual with disabilities, but their whole family – you understand why we are so passionate about growing ADNZ,” explains Julie.

“These companions bring so much joy into people’s world, enriching their lives and enabling them to do things they never thought possible. Without public support, none of this would be possible and to everyone who donated you have our sincerest thanks.”

Both she and Wendy also wish to acknowledge the hard-working volunteers who gave up time on their weekend to raise these much-needed funds.

“They are the backbone of the organisation, and we couldn’t have done this without them,” says Julie.

Wendy adds, “A big thanks to everyone who donated their time to support ADNZ – we hope to see you again next year!”

--ENDS--

© Scoop Media