Guide dogs desperate for volunteers

MICHAEL FIELD

HELP ME OUT: The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind needs thousands of volunteers for its annual Red Puppy Appeal.

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One of New Zealand's oldest charities is launching its own desperate appeal - for volunteers.

And for lovers of the intolerably cute, it's all in aid of training up some of the smartest dogs in the land.

The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind needs thousands of volunteers for its annual Red Puppy Appeal this year between March 26 and 28.

They hope to raise more than $1 million to fund its Guide Dog Services with the help of volunteer street collectors.

"The Foundation doesn't get any government funding to provide guide dogs, so when people volunteer as collectors, they're helping us to provide this essential service," says Alison Wheatley, Executive Director Marketing and Fundraising.

"Guide dogs make a huge difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted New Zealanders, and the demand is increasing."

There are about 240 RNZFB guide dogs in New Zealand whose owners benefit from the freedom, independence, confidence and companionship that a guide dog gives them.

The RNZFB provides guide dogs to its members for free but it costs over $22,500 to breed then train a guide dog puppy.

The Red Puppy Appeal Team is on 0800 RED PUPPY (0800 733 787) or email redpuppy@p10.co.nz or apply online at www.redpuppy.org.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News