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IN BRIEF SOCIETY SNIPPETS PRICELESS SMILE Earlier this year Olivia Robinson’s New Plymouth family applied to the Cerebral Palsy Society’s Individual Grant programme, and received funding for a trike. “Having her trike means that not just her, but us as a family can be out in the community and use the great facilities that are available to us locally, such as the bike park and our great coastal walkway,” says mum, Sheree Petersen. E-CARD FUNDING The latest round of funding for the Cerebral Palsy Society’s getProgramme is available now. Financial members of the Society are able to apply for $250 of funding to use on the getOutThere, getPhysical, getThis&That and getUpAgain programmes between November 1, 2022 and February 28, 2023. Members can apply for funding by emailing cpsociety@cpsociety. org.nz or going to www.tinyurl. com/2xncbyba for information about applying online. A member’s e-card can be used like an eftpos card, as well as with retailers that don’t have eftpos facilities. However, a retailer must be registered with the Cerebral Palsy Society as a supplier to the getProgramme for funds to be spent with them. If you know of an organisation or company interested in becoming a supplier, they can contact our finance team by emailing accounts@ cpsociety.org.nz to request more information. POSITIVE IMPACT The Cerebral Palsy Society is delighted to have been able to support the Adaptive Movement Charitable Trust. The trust sought funding for the CP Youth Class, conducted by Functional Adaptive Movement™Ltd (FAM™), and the Society’s Grants Committee was able to provide three months worth of support, until the end of 2022. The Auckland classes have been running for five years and youth who attend develop friendships, life skills and become healthier, stronger, more confident young children and teenagers. Each session is adapted to assist individuals to perform the group exercises to the best of their abilities, whether they are ambulant or require mobility aids. Feedback from parents is that their children have improved overall strength and fitness, balance, coordination and in turn, their wellbeing has been positively impacted. FAM™ uses seven facilities across Auckland, also runs in Wellington and Christchurch, and is looking to offer classes in Tauranga and Hamilton soon. For more information go to: www.functionaladaptive movement.com “Up until now this is not something that she has been able to experience.” For four-year-old Olivia, life is very much based around therapy. “The trike is not only amazing for her physically but also gives her the opportunity to just ‘be a kid’ and experience life the way most other children do.” Sheree says having a child with Cerebral Palsy puts finical pressure on the family, but the support they receive from the Cerebral Palsy Society means Olivia is able to attend weekly Conductive Education sessions. “We would not have been able to purchase her trike without the help of the grant from the Society. “Olivia absolutely loves her new bike and the smile she has on her face while riding is priceless.” 22 | THE REVIEW SEP–DEC 2022