It’s hard to believe that the year is almost done and dusted. But what a year it has been! For our team it has been full of fun, challenges, new projects and generally being very busy. We’ve really enjoyed supporting you and your fellow members this year. 

From our team to you and yours, Meri Kirihimete ki a koutou ko te whānau, Merry Christmas to you and your whānau.  

Christmas means something different to everyone, so whether it is a time to celebrate, give gifts and share meals with whānau and friends, or a time to reflect, remember and relax, we hope the holiday season is exactly right for you.  

CP Society holiday shutdown  

Our entire team will be on holiday from midday on Friday, December 22, and we’ll be back at our desks at 9am on Monday, January 15. 

During the three-week shutdown period the phones and emails will not be monitored. 

If you would like your e-card topped up for the Christmas/New Year period, or you have any other queries, please get in touch with us before 3pm on Thursday, December 21 to ensure we have enough time to help you. 

You can contact the team on 0800 503 603, or email cpsociety@cpsociety.org.nz. 

Coffee groups in 2024

Thank you to everyone who joined us for coffee group in 2023. It’s always lovely to have new faces and familiar faces join us for a bite and a cuppa.  

Coffee groups are not held in January, so they will all resume in February 2024.   

Please note the first coffee group of the year for our two Christchurch groups falls on February 6, Waitangi Day, so won’t be going ahead. The first one for the Christchurch groups in 2024 will be March 5. 

A companion, support worker and/or family member is welcome to accompany members to these groups. Up to $15 worth of refreshments per person is provided, compliments of the Cerebral Palsy Society. 

A HUGE thank you to our volunteers and staff who host the coffee groups. We really appreciate your time and commitment to making these events happen. 

* There may be changes to some coffee group venues or dates, so please be sure to check the details on our website for your coffee group in the new year.  

Farewell to Sophie 

This month we said farewell to Sophie Westacott, our Events and Campaigns Specialist who was employed on a fixed-term contract.  

Sophie’s focus was our annual fundraising and awareness campaign, Be Green & Be Seen. She did a fabulous job of taking the campaign to the next level with her contagious enthusiasm and her fabulous ideas.  

We will miss working with you Sophie, we’ve learnt a lot from you, and we wish you well for your next project.  

Entertainment Book 

Looking for a last-minute gift idea that the recipient will love and will support the Cerebral Palsy Society at the same time?!  

The Cerebral Palsy Society raises funds through memberships to Entertainment. 

Entertainment is a local dining and activity guide packed with discounts at restaurants, cafes, activities, retail offers and hotels across New Zealand.  

By purchasing a digital membership with our unique link 20% of each sale will come directly to the Cerebral Palsy Society.    
Memberships can start anytime – you will receive 12 months of savings no matter when you purchase. 
The Entertainment membership is a fantastic way to support local businesses, receive some great discounts, and most importantly, help the Society achieve our fundraising goals! 

Click here for more information about how you can support the Society. 

Halberg Games 2024

The Halberg Games are just around the corner! This national sports tournament spans three days and is open to young athletes aged 8-21 with a physical disability or visual impairment. 

The 2024 games are on from April 19 – 21 at Kings College, Auckland. 

It’s a unique experience for athletes to participate in a genuine games village setting that includes opening and closing ceremonies.  

Competing in regional teams, participants get to explore their competitive spirit and try their hand at new sports. 

A wide range of sports are on offer, such as adaptive crossfit challenge, athletics, swimming, golf, gymnastics, wheelchair basketball, boccia, badminton, archery, rowing, pop tennis, wheelchair rugby, powerchair football, rugby, turbo touch, taekwondo, table tennis, ambulant football, and adaptive cricket. 

The aim is to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that encourages participants to have fun, form new friendships, and push their limits. 

Click here for more information and to register.

Check your e-card balance 

Did you know you can check the balance on your e-card? 

 – You can go to https://ecardsolutions.nz/portal/cps/    
– OR check your last receipt 

Click here for more information about our e-card funding programme. 

Research opportunities 

There are plenty of research projects to contribute to and you can read about some of them on the Research Opportunities page of our website. 

Latest project:  

– The experiences of families who have accessed SDR surgery for their child.

I’d just like to take a moment to say thank you, and Meri Kirihimete, to all our members and your whānau.  Thank you for being part of the Cerebral Palsy Society, and for allowing us to support you.  
Thank you for supporting us. 

On behalf of the entire CP Society team, and the Board, we wish you all the safest and happiest of holidays.  

We look forward to reconnecting with you in the New Year.  

Ngā mihi,  
Clare and the CP Society team

Clare Williams   
General Manager