Calling all volunteers for 2017 Red Puppy Appeal

Every day, an average of three New Zealanders register with the Blind Foundation for help and support with sight loss.

To continue the life-changing support provided by guide dogs, the Blind Foundation needs a generous helping hand and is calling for volunteers for the 2017 Red Puppy Appeal on March 24 and 25 to raise funds for the breeding and training of guide dogs.

Each year, guide dog puppies begin their lives with big futures ahead of them, hoping to act as the eyes for those in our communities who are blind or have low vision.

Puppies need up to two years of thorough training and support from specialist trainers, and volunteer puppy walkers to teach them the ways of the busy world we live in. Guide dogs go on to eventually help Kiwis who are blind or have low vision carry out day-to-day tasks like going to and from work, the shops, using public transport and dining at their favourite restaurants.

Although there are many working guide dogs in New Zealand, the waiting list is around 12 months. The Blind Foundation’s Cherie McClintock says the wait time can be greatly reduced if more guide dogs are bred and trained, which is why the Red Puppy Appeal is so important – the more money raised, the more support these heroic animals can give.

“The costs for breeding and training a guide dog are fully funded by public donations and sponsorship,” says McClintock.

“Guide dogs couldn’t do what they do without help and support from fellow New Zealanders.”

Five-year-old Asha (pictured) is one of many New Zealanders receiving support from the Blind Foundation and hopes to have her very own guide dog one day. In the meantime, she’s taking care of her stuffed toy guide dog named Heidi and making sure all her classmates at school know how important guide dogs are to people who can’t see very well.

To support Kiwis like Asha and the Blind Foundation, volunteer a couple of hours for Red Puppy Appeal on March 24-25. You can sign up today by visiting redpuppy.org.nz or phone 0800 PUPPIES.

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About the Blind Foundation:

The Blind Foundation is New Zealand’s main provider of emotional and practical support for the 12,100 Kiwis who are blind or have low vision.
They equip their members with the skills, technology and resources needed to live independent lives and overcome the hardships they may face when participating fully in society.
Many people supported by the Blind Foundation are not completely blind. There are many different eye conditions that can cause loss of sight with varying degrees of severity and they can affect people of any age.

Red Puppy Appeal:

Red Puppy Appeal is on from Friday 24 to Saturday 25 March 2017. To volunteer as a street appeal collector or make a donation, visit www.redpuppy.org.nz or phone 0800 RED PUPPY (0800 733 787).
The Blind Foundation receives no government funding for Blind Foundation Guide Dogs so your support of the Red Puppy Appeal will help Kiwis who are blind or have low vision face their future with confidence.

For more images and interviews, please contact: Hayley Burrows at Lassoo Media & PR: Hayley@lassoo.co.nz or 027 330 4807