Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dog Puppy Appeal week is taking place this week across New Zealand.
Starting Monday, March 20, this year Blind Low Vision NZ is focussing on raising funds to support the Guide Dog Kennel Build Appeal.
The current kennels of Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs are now 35 years old, have reached their end of life, and unfortunately, are no longer conducive to the development of the guide dogs in training.
Each year, Blind Low Vision NZ Guide Dogs breed around 100 potential guide dogs, of which around 40 will graduate. However, each year they also have a waiting list of up to 50 New Zealanders waiting for a guide dog to support them to live independent lives.
Kiwis who require a guide dog are currently waiting an average of two years to be matched.
“There are currently 180,000 people who are blind, deafblind, or low vision in NZ, but this is expected to increase to 225,000 by 2028,” says John.
Blind Low Vision NZ provides New Zealanders who are blind, deafblind or have low vision with the practical and emotional support they need to live life without limits.
Credit: sunlive.co.nz
