The Great Guide Dog Online Auction
The Great Guide Dog Online Auction is a huge fundraising collaboration between the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's (RNZFB's) Guide Dog Services, and real estate agency Bayleys.
The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) is New Zealand's leading provider of sight-loss related services to blind and partially sighted people. We've been inspiring change for our members since 1890 and today we continue to support more than 11,500 members.
We offer a wide range of services to our members to empower and support them to lead independent lives. Whether it's everyday life, moving around, accessing information or specialist services, our staff work alongside members and their families to help them reach their potential offering various training, tools and services.
Our puppies and guide dogs are one of the most well known of our services. RNZFB guide dogs help blind and partially sighted people get around safely, with greater speed and confidence. They mean freedom, independence, confidence and companionship.
RNZFB guide dogs are taught how to guide their handlers around hazards, negotiate traffic, locate common destinations such as the supermarket, bus stop or work, and assist with travel on public transport.
We currently have around 240 RNZFB guide dogs throughout the country, and aim to graduate around 100 RNZFB guide dogs a year.
As there is no government funding allocated to our guide dog programme, we are completely reliant on fundraising efforts and the generous support of New Zealanders to be able to provide this life-changing service to our members. RNZFB's Guide Dog Service is thrilled to be benefitting from The Great Guide Dog Auction and encourage you to take part.
To find out more about The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, visit www.rnzfb.org.nz
With 57 offices throughout New Zealand, Bayleys is New Zealand's largest full-service real estate agency. We have expertise in marketing residential property, commercial and industrial property, business sales, and rural real estate - including farms and lifestyle blocks.
Bayleys' focus has always been about more than purely being a market-leading real estate sales organisation. An important part of the values of Bayleys is in giving back to the community by supporting local and national charitable causes.
In April 2004, Bayleys embarked on an extremely rewarding journey as principal sponsor of the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind's (RNZFB) Guide Dog Services. Our goal was to raise $1 million dollars over three years. We managed to achieve that target in 18 months.
We've now raised more than $2 million - with 85 Bayleys' sponsored puppies already named and in training. Many have graduated and are providing improved independence and quality of life to blind and partially sighted people around the country, while a select few have become breeding dogs.
At Bayleys, we admire the commitment, dedication and professionalism of the team at RNZFB Guide Dog Services in caring for, and training, puppies to take on the special role as the trusted guide assisting people to go about daily life.
Our new goal is to raise 100 guide dogs. Again, as we do throughout all areas of our business, we will continue to innovate new ways in which to support this tremendous cause.
To find out more about Bayleys, visit www.bayleys.co.nz