Stroke Aotearoa to keep healthcare workers warm this winter through beanie donation

In past years, Stroke Aotearoa – previously known as the Stroke Foundation – has run the Beanie Up campaign, selling beanies to raise funds for our stroke services.

Marketing and Fundraising General Manager, Jess Winchester, reflects on the Beanie Up campaign by saying

“Sales have been declining each year so we’re saying goodbye to Beanie Up and finding new ways to get people involved in stroke prevention and awareness.”

“We couldn’t think of a better way to use the remaining beanies than giving them to the very special healthcare workers who go out of their way to support stroke survivors and their loved ones.”

Starting from in May, Community Stroke Navigators from Stroke Aotearoa have been visiting hospitals and GP offices all over New Zealand to deliver the beanies to healthcare workers, including physiotherapists, health coaches, health improvement practitioners, and nurses and doctors in acute stroke wards.

“Healthcare workers are instrumental in ensuring a strong recovery for stroke survivors."

“But not enough people know how vital their work is. We want to show them that we see their passion and dedication, and we celebrate it.”

Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in New Zealand, with at least 89,000 people living with the effects of stroke. Recovery from stroke can involve physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, as well as the management of underlying health disorders to reduce the risk of experiencing future strokes.

“We are sharing these beanies because we want these workers to know what a huge difference they make."

“Every day, they keep the flame of hope alight for stroke survivors. Through donating these beanies, we’re returning some of that warmth.”