Beanie Up and Share the Warmth Across Aotearoa This Winter

Charities are coming together this winter to beat the cost-of-living crisis and support Kiwis in need through Beanie Up.

Since 2019, the Stroke Foundation has run the annual “Beanie Up” campaign, where proceeds from beanie purchases go towards funding critical stroke services in New Zealand. This year, the Foundation is offering another option: donating a beanie to someone in need.

“We know lots of people are doing it tough right now,” says Stroke Foundation CEO, Jo Lambert. “So we've made an easy, cosy way to share the warmth this winter and help as many people as possible.”

The Stroke Foundation is partnering with Nurturing Families, Caring Families Aotearoa, and Wellington City Mission for this year’s Beanie Up campaign, ‘Wear One, Share One’. New Zealanders will have the choice to either purchase a beanie for themselves, or to donate a beanie and choose who they’d like to support. Partner charities will then distribute the donated beanies to those in need.

“We are thrilled that our friends at Wellington City Mission, Caring Families Aotearoa, and Nurturing Families have joined us for this year's Beanie Up campaign,” says Jo. “The ‘Wear One, Share One’ option means Kiwis wanting to make a difference can choose to donate a beanie to keep children and people who have no permanent home warm this winter and support critical stroke services, without breaking the bank.”

“We are excited to partner with the Stroke Foundation of New Zealand as they offer a wonderful opportunity for families with kids in their care to have some nice new warm woollies for winter,” says Linda Surtees, MNZM, CEO at Caring Families Aotearoa.

“Together, we are not only raising awareness but also making a tangible difference in our communities,” adds Sharon Cavill, General Manager of Fundraising, Communications and Relationships at Wellington City Mission.

“Every beanie purchased supports stroke-related services nationwide, while every beanie purchased for the Wellington City Mission will bring warmth and hope directly to children and families this winter. It's a collaboration fuelled by compassion and commitment, spreading warmth one beanie at a time!" As well as beanies keeping people warm this winter, proceeds from beanie sales will go towards funding critical stroke services in New Zealand.

“Last year, we supported nearly 3000 stroke survivors and their whānau through our life after stroke services,” says Jo. “On top of that, our team provided over 200 hours per week of community outreach services. That includes providing free blood pressure and pulse checks, as well as advice on how to lower your risk of stroke. Beanie Up allows us to raise awareness of stroke, and raise the funds needed to continue the fight against stroke.”

Adrian Carr, who was days away from celebrating his 69th birthday when he experienced three life-changing strokes in 2022, is proud to support Beanie Up this year with his family. “We have found that the Stroke Foundation’s support is invaluable,” he says. “It performs a vital service to New Zealand and should be supported.”

There are several beanies to choose from, including children’s sizes.

To order or donate a beanie, visit www.beanieup.co.nz