11th February 2011

About 5,000 volunteers are urgently needed nationwide for the 2011 Red Puppy Appeal in April.

The annual appeal, which is being held from Friday 1 April to Sunday 3 April, raises vital funds for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s (RNZFB’s) Guide Dog Services.

“RNZFB guide dogs provide hundreds of blind and partially sighted New Zealanders with the means and confidence to get around independently and safely,” says Sandra Budd, RNZFB Chief Executive.

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“It’s a long process to become a RNZFB guide dog as every puppy must train for two years, pass 55 different tests and walk thousands of steps. With no Government funding for Guide Dog Services, we rely on public support.

“Every dollar collected during our appeal really counts, which is why we need as many volunteers as possible out there rattling buckets on street corners,” says Ms Budd.

Red Puppy Appeal collectors will be on the streets on Friday 1 April and Saturday 2 April and anyone wanting to volunteer can call 0800 120 254 or register online at www.redpuppy.org.nz.

Ms Budd says the RNZFB is also planning some extra sweet treats to enhance this year’s appeal and will release more details in a few weeks.

Help give power to the red puppies so, as RNZFB guide dogs, they can empower blind and partially sighted New Zealanders.

Please give generously when you see RNZFB Red Puppy Appeal collectors out and about from 1 - 3 April.

ENDS

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