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