MEDIACOM-RELEASE-LEPROSY-MISSION
International Aid spokesman Ric Foxley joins The Leprosy Mission as Area Executive - Lower North Island on May 15. From
Wellington to Gisborne and New Plymouth, he will promote awareness of a disease that still affects millions.
Ric is well known to clubs, associations and churches throughout the mid- North Island for his presentations for World
Vision over the last seven years. During that time his region's support for the Forty Hour Famine rose by more than 30%.
The Leprosy Mission has a more specific focus, but Ric says its work is equally relevant. 800,000 new cases of leprosy
were reported last year. It is a socially devastating disease. We have to attack the stigma, so people will come forward
for treatment. Leprosy can be cured.
A supporter of The Leprosy Mission for some years, Ric says he is excited about joining the organisation. It is a very
good organisation, being used by God. We can do a huge amount of good that's very practical and helpful.
While leprosy is not a fatal illness, Ric says the disease can kill. It is a disease of poverty. If you can't work, you
can't eat.
Ric says his presentations to community groups, clubs and schools will offer a very interesting and positive message. By
providing financial support for medicines, education and rehabilitation, thousands of New Zealanders are reversing the
effects of leprosy and halting its spread.
Ric Foxley can be contacted on 06 326 8318. He is available to speak to groups of any size, about what New Zealanders
can do about an ancient disease that now affects only the very poorest people in the world.
ENDS