IHC pledge to keep fighting for better deal

Media release
5 February 2009

IHC Annual Appeal 16 February – 22 February 2009

IHC birthday pledge to keep fighting for better deal

IHC celebrates its 60th birthday this year with a pledge to stick to the goals of those early parents who fought for a better deal for their children.

A lot of tough battles have been won in 60 years by and for people with intellectual disabilities, but some attitudes are still hard to shift and they create barriers to accepting people in schools, workplaces and in the community.

IHC Chief Executive Ralph Jones says people with intellectual disabilities want to live fulfilling lives like anyone else and he urges people who meet them to make a connection with them to show their support and acceptance.

“Kiwis like it when people are given a fair go, and IHC works to help that happen. But that doesn’t mean taking over,” he says.

“We are not here to do it for people; we are here to enable people to do it for themselves.”

This year’s IHC Annual Appeal is on from 16 February to 22 February and Ralph urges Kiwis to give generously to support the work it does to help people with intellectual disabilities achieve their potential.

Money raised helps to pay for IHC’s Volunteer “buddy” programme, its work to safeguard the rights of people with intellectual disabilities and to support them to speak up for themselves.

Donations can be made in envelopes that will be distributed to households the week before the appeal, or online at www.ihc.org.nz – click “Donate Online Now”. Or people can call 0900 44 900 to make a $20 donation.

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