Royal Society for the Blind auxiliary shuts down after 60 years

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After 60 years, a Murray Bridge organisation which raised funds for people with impaired vision has wound up its operations.

The local Royal Society for the Blind auxiliary had raised more than $70,000 in just its last 30 years.

It also helped introduce a talking book service, technology to help people find their way around Murray Bridge Library, K9 dogs for veterans, guide dog sponsorship and client support services to the Murraylands and Adelaide Hills.

Christine Jones, the auxiliary’s treasurer for the past 20 years, recalled raising funds through street stalls; badge days; raffles; charity collection boxes; and the sale of large-print calendars, Christmas cards and toy dogs.

She and other volunteers travelled from Murray Bridge to towns including Callington, Strathalbyn, Tailem Bend, Meningie, Karoonda, Mannum and Palmer.

But Ms Jones said a decline in volunteer numbers had made things hard lately.

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Most of the auxiliary’s former helpers were now living in nursing homes, she said.

“We tried recruiting, but we haven’t been able to get anyone,” she said.

“The auxiliary cannot continue in the current economic situation … without enthusiastic persons willing to give a little of their time to volunteering for such a worthwhile cause.”

However, she still has a number of 2024 large-print calendars on hand; RSB staff will continue to visit the region regularly to help community members with impaired vision.

• Purchase RSB merchandise: Call Christine Jones on 8532 2698.
• Volunteer: Call Wendy Lucas on 1300 944 306 or visit www.seedifferently.org.au.
• Get help: Visit www.seedifferently.org.au, call 1300 944 306 or email contact@seedifferently.org.au.