NEWS
Will you help collect for the 2018 Red Puppy Appeal?

Will you help collect for the 2018 Red Puppy Appeal?

Lassoo

13 February 2018, 10:23AM

Lassoo

395 views

Media Release

Will you help collect for the 2018 Red Puppy Appeal?

The Blind Foundation is calling for volunteers to support its Red Puppy Appeal street collection on March 23 and 24 to raise funds for the breeding and training of guide dogs.

Blind Foundation guide dogs offer freedom and independence by acting as the eyes for those in our communities who are blind or have low vision. The costs for breeding and training a guide dog are fully funded by public donations and sponsorships, which is why the Red Puppy Appeal is so important.

After two years of thorough training from specialist trainers and support from volunteer puppy walkers, guide dogs go on to help someone who is blind complete day-to-day tasks like going to and from work, the shops, and using public transport.

20-year-old Stevi from Matamata knows how life-changing a guide dog can be. Having guide dog Halo (who has been with Stevi for two years) has given Stevi the motivation and confidence to finish school and start studying Psychology at University.

“After I got Halo, the first time I walked uptown by myself I was just so happy. I had just gone up to meet my friend, which is such a simple thing, but I’d never been able to do that by myself. I was so emotional, it felt great to be able to do that.”

“Halo gives me so much more independence. All I have to do is hold her harness handle and I know I will be safe and I can trust her. My future is looking so much brighter now that I have her”

To support the Blind Foundation, volunteer a couple of hours for Red Puppy Appeal on March 23-24. You can sign up today by visiting redpuppy.org.nz or phone 0800 PUPPIES.

ENDS

Red Puppy Appeal:

The Red Puppy Appeal street collection is on from Friday 23 to Saturday 24 March 2018. To volunteer as a street appeal collector or make a donation, visit www.redpuppy.org.nz or phone 0800 PUPPIES (0800 787 743).

For images, interviews, or to volunteer, please contact: Hayley Burrows at Lassoo Media | PR Hayley@lassoo.co.nz or 09 370 0420