The Blind Foundation seeks Blind Week volunteers

3 September 2018

The Blind Foundation is putting out the call for people to sign up as volunteers for the nationwide Blind Week street collection on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 October 2018.

Every year, thousands of volunteers give up a few hours of their time to help raise funds for New Zealanders who are blind or have low vision*.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have amazing people in our communities who support their fellow Kiwis every year, whether that be through volunteering their time or by donating,” says Blind Foundation Chief Executive, Sandra Budd.

Ms Budd explains that the Blind Foundation plays a vital role in New Zealand by providing personalised assistance to people who are blind or have low vision, with the goal of helping people to be self-reliant and independent.

“Every day, an average of four New Zealanders come to the Blind Foundation for support. That number is growing and we know there are many more out there who could benefit from our services. A much greater number of people may not need us yet but we will be there to support them in the future should that change”.

“Some of the most common eye conditions are age-related, such as macular degeneration and glaucoma, so many people come to us later in life for help with adjusting to living with deteriorated eyesight,” says Ms Budd.

The services offered by the Blind Foundation are vast and include counselling, ways to continue reading and accessing information and technology, getting around, day-to-day living techniques and support on staying in or looking for work.

Loren, from Christchurch, lost her vision quite suddenly in her early twenties. She says, “sight loss is terrifying when you don’t have the knowledge or the skills to cope. The Blind Foundation gave me opportunities I haven’t had before. That’s why I’ll be out collecting with my family in October.”

The Blind Foundation’s vital work is made possible thanks to the generous support of the public around the country. Show your support for people in your community who have lost their sight by volunteering a couple of hours this Blind Week. Sign up today at blindweek.org.nz.

*Low vision refers to people with vision that restricts how they can carry out daily living activities.

ENDS

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