Blind Week has begun

The Institute Band prior to touring in New Zealand 1935 - RNZFB

Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind media release

26 October 2010

Blind Week has begun

As Blind Week kicks off today, the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) also blows out 120 candles on its birthday cake.

The RNZFB is New Zealand's main provider of essential sight-loss services, and has been empowering and supporting blind and partially sighted New Zealanders since 1890.

We equip our members with the adaptive skills, technology and resources they need to overcome the barriers they face to participating fully in society. Approximately 1,200 New Zealanders become RNZFB members every year after experiencing serious sight loss.

Blind Week not only creates awareness about blindness and the sight loss cause, it also raises essential donation income to support the full range of vital services that we provide. Less than one-third of our operating budget comes from Government sources; we rely on the generous support of the public for the rest. Look out for Blind Week collectors in fluorescent orange vests on the street this Friday 29 and Saturday 30 October (excluding Christchurch, held instead on Thursday 28 and Saturday 30 October).

You can also support Blind Week by visiting our website www.blindweek.org.nz or by calling 0900 4 BLIND (0900 425 463) to make an automatic $20 donation.

ENDS

Guests arriving for the opening of the Jubilee Building in 1908 - RNZFB

Notes to editors

* Blind Week 2010 runs from Tuesday 26 October to Monday 1 November.

* This Blind Week we're celebrating 120 years of service to blind and partially sighted New Zealanders.

* Our annual Blind Week appeal not only brings awareness to the blindness and sight loss cause, it also raises much needed donations to support the full range of vital services we provide.

* Just one-third of our operating budget comes from Government sources; we rely on public support for the rest.

ENDS

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