Be a volunteer collector this Blind Week and 'See The Difference You Make!'

ThisBlind Week, New Zealanders are being asked to ‘See The Difference You Make’ to the lives of blind, deafblind and vision-impaired Kiwis when they donate – whether it’s time or money.

The RNZFB needs volunteers to collect during Blind Week 2008, from 28 October to 3 November.

“The Foundation aims to raise over $1.1 million during Blind Week, and the more volunteer collectors we have, the better our chances,” says Dianne Armstrong, RNZFB Head of Regional Fundraising.

“By being a volunteer collector this Blind Week, people across the country can help the Foundation make a difference to the lives of blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.”

The RNZFB gives blind, deafblind and vision-impaired people the skills to do everyday things, like getting from home to work, cooking dinner or surfing the net.

Even just one hour of collecting makes a huge difference.

To volunteer as a collector, call free on 0508 BLIND WEEK (0508 254 6395) or visit www.blindweek.org.nz

The minimum number of volunteers needed for each area is:
Auckland 1,600
Waikato 530
Bay of Plenty 780
Hawkes Bay 320
Wellington 700
Nelson 300
Christchurch 1,500
Dunedin 1,600

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

The RNZFB is the primary provider of vision-related rehabilitation services for blind, deafblind and vision-impaired New Zealanders.
Only one-third of the Foundation’s $26 million operating budget comes from Government sources, so members rely on public support for the other $17.3 million.
The RNZFB has about 11,700 members and every year, nearly 1200 New Zealanders become RNZFB members after experiencing serious sight loss.