The Stroke Foundation Northern Regions role is to support those who have had a stroke and their families. Through the sale of these Christmas cards we are delighted that more people will get to know about The Stroke Foundation and support the work of our wonderful team of Field Officers.

Our team of Field Officers contacts everyone who has had a stroke and provides them with written information and the offer of a home visit. We also have a Vocational Counsellor who helps those who have had a stroke to get back to work and a Volunteer coordinator who assists the volunteers who run our twenty Stroke Clubs which provide social rehabilitation. Over 25% of people who have a stroke are under the age of 65 and we are seeing an increase in those under 50.

Duffy Books in Homes provides free books, three times a year, to over 100,000 New Zealand children in low-decile schools. For every twenty seven Christmas cards purchased from The Giving Tree one child will receive all the benefits of the Duffy programme for an entire year.

Duffy Books in Homes vision is to break the cycle of booklessness in New Zealand by inspiring a love of books in Duffy children so they become adults who inspire a love of reading.

Children receive a minimum of five brand new books of their choice each year at no charge.  In addition, children can earn weekly 'Caught Being Good' book awards as well as other awards for effort and attitude.  Prominent New Zealand Role Models present the books and spread the message 'It's Cool to Read and Cool to Achieve!'

Lifewise offers highly practical services to children, families, older people and people living with disabilities as well as those who are homeless, isolated and marginalised. By purchasing Christmas cards through The Giving Tree, you will be helping to house, support and train homeless people building their independence through our new community café.

Lifewise is about changing people's lives for the better. We aim for long term solutions to social issues not quick 'band-aid' fixes. We've also replaced our old fashioned soup kitchen (which cooked and served up to 47,000 free meals a year) with a new community café which serves nutritious affordable food. The café is also a great place for training. By moving from a charity 'hand-out' approach Lifewise is trying to restore dignity and choice to homeless people and provide opportunities for them to experience a better future.

Auckland is a great city but it's not great all the time, or for all people.

HUHA Animal Sanctuary provides a safe haven for injured, neglected and abused animals and wildlife. It is a place where all animals are treated with respect and compassion, where they are promised a new life free of small cages, chains, boredom, ignorance and other forms of abuse.

The Sanctuary is constantly growing and has many animals in its care. Ideally animals are rehomed carefully back into loving families within the community or in the case of wildlife set free, but for those with medical problems, emotional issues or maybe just nowhere else suitable to go, they will become permanent residents at the sanctuary for the duration of their precious lives. These animals provide the perfect interactive learning environment for visiting groups, helping them to understand first hand why animals don't deserve to be treated as disposable. Read learn more visit www.huha.org.nz