6 July 2001
Since the Royal New Zealand Foundation for the Blind's (RNZFB) Guide Dog Appeal in April, 36 new guide dog teams have
been matched. Matching guide dogs to owners is a highly technical process that ensures the team is compatible and will
work well together.
The appeal raised $371,338 for the Foundation's Guide Dog Services (GDS) and other valuable services for blind and
sight-impaired New Zealanders so they can meet the challenges of their sight impairment to maintain their independence.
"The appeal has been a huge success, going well beyond what we had hoped for," says Ian Cox, RNZFB Guide Dog Services
General Manager.
"It's clear that the community values the services the Foundation provides because even now, two months after the
appeal, donations are still coming in," says Jeanette Manson, RNZFB National Manager Fundraising Division.
"We would like to thank everyone who was involved in the street appeal, especially the volunteers and supporters from
around the country who put in an enormous amount of time and effort. This support is essential to the success of any
appeal."
Regional breakdowns: $130,262.52 in Auckland and Northland $48,678.30 in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty $18,830.50 in
the Hawke's Bay $69,024.13 in Wellington, Taranaki and Manawatu $11,259.40 in Nelson and Marlborough $82,638.67 in
Canterbury $37,644.81 in Otago and Southland
ENDS