Join the challenge: Support stroke survivors and the Stroke Foundation this June

23 May 2023

In seconds a stroke can rob you of what you love. It could be your independence, mobility, speech, or for some it can rob them of their job or career. In the worst cases, sometimes a stroke can rob you of that which is most loved of all – a friend or family member. With a stroke happening in New Zealand every 55 minutes, it is more common that many realise, and people are also having them at a much younger age. 

Your support lets the Stroke Foundation help people rebuild their lives, no matter how long it takes. 

This winter, the Stroke Foundation are raising money to help fund their work, including the Community Stroke Advisor service, who are there for those who have had a stroke and their families, helping them rebuild their lives, no matter how long it takes. It is a free service and available to anyone. The Stroke Foundation recieve little government support, so every dollar helps. 

You can find information at www.fightstroke.org.nz and there are a number of ways you can support. You could make a donation, preorder one of their popular beanies, or take part in a new challenge they have launched this year, where they are asking people to give up something they love for a month, as a small way of recognising the fact that stroke can take what you love away.

It’d be great if you could sign up and get whānau and friends to support you!  

Not sure what to give up for the challenge? How about a cup of coffee? Chris loves a good cuppa, or three, and in June he is giving it up in memory of someone close to him who had a stroke. Many people have told Chris that they couldn’t do this because it is too hard, but that is the point. “When someone has a stroke they sometimes can’t even hold a cup of coffee – it is those little things we take for granted that can disappear so quickly,” Chris says. 

Support Chris in his fundraising for the Stroke Foundation at www.fightstroke.org.nz/chris-green 

Learn more about how you can support stroke survivors at www.fightstroke.org.nz

Published: 23 May 2023