The charity formerly known as Stroke Tairāwhiti, had two reasons to celebrate this year; 35 years of service to stroke survivors in our community and its amalgamation with the Stroke Foundation New Zealand to create one nationally consistent community stroke support service for Aotearoa New Zealand.
The partnership will benefit our region by providing additional resources, expertise, health promotion and marketing capacity, and the ability to lobby government as one voice.
“With the merger our programmes and services will remain the same, but we now have additional support, leaving us to focus on our important exercise and cognitive programmes,” says Caroline Callow, Tairāwhiti Area Manager.
“It can be difficult for some people – especially in a small community like Gisborne – because although you’re the same person on the inside, you often present yourself differently after a stroke.
“That’s why these classes are so important. They build people’s confidence, mobility, and cognition, helping them get back into society.”
In New Zealand, over 9,500 strokes occur every year, with Māori and Pasifika disproportionately affected. Stroke Foundation New Zealand is committed to addressing the inequalities in our region, with a focus on preventing strokes, improving outcomes, and saving lives.
“With their support, we’ll be able to work with local iwi to provide education on stroke prevention and health promotion to our society’s most vulnerable,” says Caroline.
With less than 20% of its funding coming from the Government, the Foundation is reliant on fundraising and donations to keep its vital stroke prevention and recovery services going.
To discuss supporting the Stroke Foundation New Zealand (Tairāwhiti) Endowment Fund, either by donating regularly, through an annual donation, or gift in your will, please contact Glenda on 06 867 7939.
All donations stay local, helping support people and their whānau affected by stroke in Tairāwhiti.
Read more about their endowment fund here.
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