Volunteers urgently needed for Blind Foundation Blind Week

The Blind Foundation urgently needs more volunteers for the 2017 Blind Week street collection in October.

With at least three New Zealanders a day referred to the Blind Foundation for support with blindness or sight loss, the annual appeal is more important than ever, says the Foundation’s Chief Executive Sandra Budd.

This year’s appeal is on Friday and Saturday, 6 and 7 October and volunteers can sign up at blindweek.org.nz

“Right now we are only able to reach a third of the people who need our help but, with more support from all Kiwis, we can do so much more, particularly for our young people.”

The 20-plus people a week referred to the Blind Foundation includes at least one child affected by loss of sight.

Budd says: “The Blind Foundation is here for all Kiwis affected by blindness or sight loss, but it’s only possible thanks to the generous support from the New Zealand public.

“Losing your sight can turn your life upside down. Our volunteers help us raise much-needed funds to provide New Zealanders who are blind or have low vision with the practical and emotional support they need to face their future with confidence.”

With Kiwis’ support this Blind Week, the Blind Foundation can reach more people who are blind or have low vision and provide life-changing support. The Blind Foundation supports people to live independently, get around safely, use technology, continue to read and communicate, be socially active and stay in work.

Ends

Notes to Editors about Blind Foundation:

The Blind Foundation is New Zealand’s main provider of practical and emotional support for the thousands of Kiwis who are affected by blindness and sight loss, enabling them to face their future with confidence.
Every day an average of three New Zealanders register with the Blind Foundation for support with blindness or sight loss.
It provides practical support in living independently, help with technology, ways to continue reading, and advice on staying in or looking for work.
The Blind Foundation’s vital work helping people with blindness and sight loss is possible thanks to the generous support of the public.

 

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