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Raising Hope with the Neurological Foundation This new initiative utilises the website Everyday Hero where future fundraisers can select to raise money for the Foundation while completing different challenges or celebrations. We have already had a couple of successful fundraising campaigns and we are looking to grow that number throughout the next year. We anticipate that Raising Hope will allow us to connect with more communities across New Zealand, spreading the word about what the Neurological Foundation does. We have one of the most engaging and loyal supporter bases in the country, and we want you involved to help us grow our supporter base and raise awareness. Karen Grootscholten, one of this year’s community fundraisers, completed the Great Wall of China Marathon in May which raised over $3,000 for the Foundation. Karen sustained a traumatic brain injury whilst kite surfing in 2008 and took 5 years to recover. Karen shared with us why she decided to raise money for the Neurological Foundation, “I googled different organisations to raise money for, and I felt this one was closest to my heart, and I truly believed in it.” Karen hopes that raising awareness for the Foundation in this way will help make a difference in the lives of people living with neurological disorders. “If you want to raise money for a goal, stand behind the goal, and just let people know” When asked about the experience and getting more people involved in community fundraising, Karen said “There were numerous people I spoke with, who I never imagined would donate money, however, with my enthusiasm for the run, and by mentioning the organisation, it made people donate at their own will. That was humbling.” Karen’s experience was truly inspirational and the money she raised will go towards funding neurological research into one of the 700+ neurological conditions that exist. Another supporter, Helen Rook who underwent neurosurgery in 2015, completed the Trail Marathon in Wellington in July 2019 with her two friends, Caz Hales and Julie Hutchinson. Helen’s choice to support the Neurological Foundation was an easy one she shares, Karen Grootscholten, completed the Great Wall of China Marathon Earlier this year we launched our rebrand, A Pathway to Hope. With this rebrand came several new initiatives including our community fundraising programme, Raising Hope. 8 Headlines