Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind
Media Release: 27 October 2009
Support Molly’s Blind Week and make a difference!
The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind’s Blind Week appeal has just begun and runs from 27 October – 2 November.
This year we are celebrating ‘Molly’s Blind Week’, with five-year old member Molly as the face of the appeal. Blind Week
is all about the difference you can make to her life, and the lives of the Foundation’s 11, 700 blind and partially
sighted members.
“The Foundation is trying to raise over $500,000 so we can continue giving our members the skills needed to do everyday
things the rest of us take for granted, like getting from home to work, cooking dinner or surfing the net,” says Alison
Wheatley, the RNZFB’s Executive Director Marketing and Fundraising.
“Only one-third of the Foundation’s $26 million operating budget comes from Government sources, so our members rely on
public support for the other $17.3 million,” she says.
The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind is currently celebrating Blind Week, however we will not be having a
street collection this year due to the high costs involved in running one in the current economic climate. The
Foundation welcomes donations to the Blind Week appeal via donation envelopes which are currently appearing in mailboxes
all over the country.
You can also support Blind Week by calling 0800 DONATE (366 283) or visit the website at www.blindweek.org.nz
ENDS