By George, a poster child at 89 years young

After almost 89 years Waipu man George Phiskie is finally a poster child - he is the face of the Blind Week Appeal, appearing on posters and television screens around the country.
But in his typically self-effacing style, George said he wasn't too excited about the prospect of being seen by millions during the October 26 to November 1 appeal week. He was more worried about the ribbing he'd get from those who know him.
The Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) is the country's main provider of sight loss services to around 11,500 blind, deaf, blind and partially sighted New Zealanders and is celebrating 120 years' of existence.
George, 89 in December, said being the face of this year's fundraising campaign was as much a tribute to the people behind him who helped him carry out his tasks. He's been a RNZFB member since 1933, has volunteered for Blind Week right from the beginning, and organised the street collection for Waipu and its surrounding districts.
"I couldn't do anything without the great people who help me. It's wonderful to be able to promote the cause, but it's because of all those other people," he said.
"It's those people that deserve the credit. All those people who give up their own time, those people on the street out collecting, that deserve the accolades."
His mate Steve Compton, from the Whangarei Community Committee for the RNZFB wasn't having any of that though: "It's been said that he's such a persuasive bugger that you have to say yes."
But for George, and 10-year-old guide dog Georgie, the week is about making people aware of the plight of the blind community and raising much-needed cash to help.
He said over the past decade or so the advancements for the deaf community were amazing, with new technology particularly playing a big part in making their life easier.
When the Advocate visited, George was testing an advanced reading book machine which he said was virtually foolproof and even told a user how to operate it. He was also using a Penmate machine which, using adhesive labels, recorded what was inside a container.
For example, he used the pen to record a code on a label on a tin of beetroot and when he ran the pen over it again it said "beetroot."
"That's amazing and just so handy. There's nothing worse - and it happens no matter how good a system you have in place - than going to the cupboard and opening what you think is a tin of beetroot only to find it's peaches," George said. "Advancements like this make our lives so much better."
Blind Week 2010 runs from October 26 to November 1. Blind Week Appeal not only celebrates the blindness and sight loss cause, it also raises much-needed donations to support the full range of vital services that it provides.
RNZFB needs 6000 volunteer collectors nationwide to hold buckets during the street appeal and is asking volunteer collectors to give just 120 minutes of their time. The street appeal in your area will be on October 29 and 30.
To volunteer, go online to www.blindweek.org.nz or call 0800 120 BLIND.