Red Puppy Appeal street collectors in Gisborne on March 23-24

Annual fundraiser for breeding and training guide dogs. File picture

Guide dogs offer freedom and independence by acting as eyes for people who are blind or have poor vision.

Each year the New Zealand Blind Foundation holds a Red Puppy Appeal, the annual fundraiser for breeding and training guide dogs.

This year’s nationwide street collection will be held on Friday and Saturday.

After two years of training by specialist trainers and support from volunteer puppy walkers, guide dogs go on to help someone who is blind to complete day-to-day tasks like going to and from work, the shops and using public transport.

The Blind Foundation’s chief executive Sandra Budd says the cost of breeding and training a guide dog is fully funded by public donations and sponsorships, which is why there is a need for the Red Puppy Appeal.

“The Red Puppy Appeal is an important time of year for us, and I am always humbled by the generosity of the public, who give their time and money to ensure we can continue to provide the life-changing guide dog service — which means so much to our community.”

Volunteers help with the street appeal, and more than 2300 people around the country have already signed up to collect this week.

Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer can contact the Blind Foundation on 0800 243 333.

To support the Blind Foundation, look out for the Blind Foundation street collectors on March 23-24. You can also donate at redpuppy.org.nz