Foundation launches See the Difference to encourage support in tough economic times

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind is all the more reliant upon the public's generosity during these tough economic times.

This week the Foundation launches the See the Difference programme, calling on New Zealanders to help guarantee the vital services the Foundation provides to its 11,700 members.

“We encourage New Zealanders to see the extraordinary difference they can make to the lives of thousands of our members who are blind, deafblind or vision-impaired,” says Sandra Budd, Chief Executive of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind.

“Now, more than ever, in these tough economic times, we rely on the sustained generosity of our donors and the enthusiasm of our wonderful volunteers to help us continue delivering essential services to the blind community,” she says.

The big-heartedness of donors provided a lifeline for Foundation member and the face of the See the Difference programme, Sarndra Tamepo.

“When I was introduced to the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, it created a sense of community for me, but more importantly it created a sense of hope," says Sarndra.

Sarndra, who lost her sight at 35 as a result gestational diabetes when pregnant, says even the simplest things were too hard when she first became blind.

“When you’re blind, you have to get used to a completely different way of life. I learned how to find my way around and I couldn’t have adapted without the Foundation’s help. In turn, this wouldn’t be possible without the support of generous New Zealanders,” she adds.

See the Difference is the new way New Zealanders can support the work of the Foundation with a monthly donation of $20 - less than a dollar a day. Check out the website www.rnzfb.org.nz/seethedifference for more details.

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www.rnzfb.org.nz

Note to Editors

· The See the Difference programme will launched today (24 May) with a TV campaign starring Foundation member, Sarndra Tamepo.

· With minimal Government support, it costs the Foundation about $26m each year to deliver its services to over 11,700 members. Approximately 1,200 people join the Foundation every year after experiencing serious sight loss.

· 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