We believe that giving back to our community is important. Each month, Nextdore makes a $500 donation to a charity or non-profit organisation. The organisations are chosen by members of our team, so these causes are very close to our hearts.
In this article, we feature all of the wonderful organisations we’ve been able to support this year. If you’re looking to spread some Christmas cheer by supporting a local charity or non-profit, this list is a great place to start!
Looking for other organisations to support? Read our 2024 wrap-up here.
Blue Light
For over 35 years, Blue Light has been working in partnership with the police to provide empowering programmes, mentoring and resources for young people across Aotearoa. Blue Light aims to educate young people about lifestyles and strategies that can help them to avoid becoming an offender or victim of crime.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
“The Rotary Club that I am a member of has been supporting Blue Light for many years.
I believe the voluntary Police Officers who run this course do a magnificent job of rescuing many at-risk youth and guiding them onto a better pathway.” - Neville, Nextdore
Learn more and support Blue Light here.
Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust
The Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust helps people find new pathways through life after a brain, spinal, or other complex injury. They can help with assessments for driver retraining, identifying care needs, home modifications, and more.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
Brain injuries can happen to anyone, at any time, and every day almost 100 Kiwis suffer a traumatic brain injury. Having support and guidance to re-navigate the world is invaluable.
Learn more and support the Laura Fergusson Brain Injury Trust here.
The Christchurch Aunties
The Christchurch Aunties offer a helping hand to women and children who have been displaced by family violence, giving them the essentials they need to begin rebuilding their lives. The Aunties network collects and distributes donated goods, from furniture to school supplies.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
For many women and children, leaving a violent situation means leaving everything they own behind. The simple essentials the Aunties provide can have a huge impact on how quickly these women can get back on their feet and begin a happier chapter of their lives.
Learn more and support the Christchurch Aunties here
The Neurological Foundation
1 in 3 Kiwis will be affected by a neurological condition during their lifetime, many of which have no known cure. The Neurological Foundation raises funds to support life-changing research that benefits these people, and raises awareness of neurological conditions.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
“I would like The Neurological Foundation to receive this money – even though it was too late for my brother I would like to think one day there will be a cure for Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.” - Jenni, Nextdore
Learn more and support the Neurological Foundation here.
The Champion Centre
The Champion Centre provides early intervention services to infants and young children with significant disabilities and their families. Their teams of specialists work with children to support all areas of development, and provide practical and emotional support to families.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and the Champion Centre’s support and advocacy makes a huge difference for babies and children with disabilities.
Learn more and support the Champion Centre here.
Full Bellies
Full Bellies makes sure Canterbury kids have enough tasty, nutritious food to focus on a day of learning. They currently provide 1479 lunch bags each week, to children and families who need a helping hand. Food is delivered to schools early in the morning, so children can discreetly pick up their lunch from the office on their way to class, with no risk of embarrassment.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
“Full Bellies gives school kids in need a packed lunch including an afternoon snack, allowing kids to be kids and to focus on their school work.” - Natasha, Nextdore
Learn more and support Full Bellies here.
Westland Industrial Heritage Park
The Westland Industrial Heritage Park showcases a range of exhibitions, from a Fire Museum to a Bush Railway - all designed to protect, teach, preserve and research the industrial heritage of Westland. It’s a fantastic place to explore, and a testament to the passion of the volunteers that run it.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
“They're doing an amazing job of preserving West Coast history. The place is staffed entirely by volunteers with a passion for preserving history for future generations. Entry to the park itself is free and they rely on fundraising and donations. While it has a West Coast flavour it is a real New Zealand endeavour helping keep our country's history alive.” - Phillipa, Nextdore
Learn more and support the Westland Industrial Heritage Park here.
Hoa Motuhake - Special Friends Sports Trust
Hoa Motuhake provides a sports mentoring program for disadvantaged tamariki, removing the barriers that prevent them from playing sport. The benefits for children in a sports mentoring programme go far beyond physical skills and fitness: they gain positive role models, become part of a supportive community, and improve confidence.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
We love that Hoa Motuhake can positively change the entire trajectory of a child’s life. It’s a simple, effective initiative that’s making a big difference.
Learn more and support Hoa Motuhake here.
Christchurch City Mission
This Christmas, the Christchurch City Mission is aiming to feed 1,600 families across Christchurch, setting a new record for their Christmas food parcels! The City Mission also provides hundreds of thousands of meals, learning and development sessions, wraparound services, and community outreach throughout the year.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
The City Mission works tirelessly to support the most vulnerable people in our community - day after day, month after month, year after year.
Learn more and support the Christchurch City Mission here.
Nurse Maude
Nurse Maude has been caring for the Canterbury community since 1896. Alongside nursing and homecare services, Nurse Maude provides specialist palliative care services free of charge, from physical care to emotional and social support.
Why we chose to support this organisation:
The team at Nurse Maude do more than simply provide care - they are a source of compassion and empathy during a really difficult time.