At age seven, Japleen Kaur is only just learning to walk unassisted. For now, she uses a walker to get around or her father helps to steady her steps. It's because the Te Puke Primary School pupil was born blind.

'I feel really sad for her because she might not be able to see the world,” says Japleen's 12-year-old cousin Sharon Kaur.

Navjeet Lidher, 11, Japleen Kaur, 7, Sharon Kaur, 12, and her brother Ravitaj Nijjer, 10. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

These school holidays, Sharon is raising funds for The Blind Foundation, and Leukemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand, in support of Japleen.

'I want to do this for her because then people can know how it feels to be blind,” says the Tahatai Coast School pupil, who has enlisted 10-year-old brother Ravitaj and cousin Navjeet, 11.

'I'm doing this for the blind because my cousin is blind and I really want to help her and the people like her. We've almost made $300.”

Half of the funds she raises will go to The Blind Foundation, with the other half going to Leukemia and Blood Cancer NZ 'because many people are losing their lives and I just think we should help them”.

Sharon, Ravitaj and Navjeet have been fundraising for six weeks and hope to build their funds during the last week of the school holidays.

'I've been going to my neighbourhood selling some items and my family and relatives have donated some money,” says Sharon.

'I've been selling lanterns, homemade baskets with lollies in it, inspirational quotes on bookmarks, and Maori flax flowers.”

To donate, contact Sharon on 07 5722015.