Christmas is on our doorstep again (we aren’t quite sure where 2023 went), and it is the perfect time to pause, and really think about what this season means to us as individuals. For many, it’s a time to take a few days and catch up with family and friends we don’t get to spend enough time with; for most of us, it is the season of giving – to give thanks, and love and hope to those around us.
At A Team Printing, at this time of the year, we’ve long supported a number of charities with our Charity Christmas cards and throughout the year, we work with a number of local organisations and community groups.
This year, our Charity Christmas Cards will support three Australian charities – the Heart Foundation, the Children’s Cancer Institute and the Breast Cancer Foundation.
We are happy to announce that each of these charities will receive a minimum of $2,500 from the sale of our 2023 Christmas Cards.
The Children’s Cancer Institute
The Children’s Cancer Institute is the only independent medical research institute focused on finding cures and better treatments for childhood cancer. Established in 1976, the first research laboratories opened in 1984, and they are now recognised as one of the leading international child cancer research institutes.
Here are some key aspects of the institute’s work:
Medical Research: The Children’s Cancer Institute conducts research to better understand the biology of childhood cancers. This includes investigating the underlying causes of paediatric cancers, the development of tumours, and potential targets for treatment.
Drug Discovery and Development: The Children’s Cancer Institute works on discovering and developing new drugs and therapies specifically designed for childhood cancers. The goal is to improve the effectiveness of treatments while minimising the side effects that can be particularly challenging for children.
Clinical Trials: The institute is involved in conducting clinical trials to test new treatments and therapies. These trials involve working closely with hospitals and healthcare professionals to evaluate the safety and efficacy of potential treatments in children with cancer.
Personalised Medicine: The researchers at The Children’s Cancer Institute analyse the tumours of children in their Zero Childhood Cancer program, tailoring treatment to cancer patients based on the specific characteristics of an individual’s cancer, allowing for more targeted and effective therapies.
Collaboration with Hospitals and Research Institutions: The institute collaborates with hospitals, universities, and other research institutions to bring together multidisciplinary expertise and resources to tackle childhood cancer from various angles.
Advocacy and Awareness: The Children’s Cancer Institute engages in advocacy and public awareness initiatives to educate the community about childhood cancer, raise funds for research, and advocate for policy changes that support the needs of children with cancer and their families.
In 2022, a whopping 84 percent of every dollar donated to the Children’s Cancer Institute was spent directly on research. With the help of institutes like the Children’s Cancer Institute, children now have a much better chance of surviving childhood cancer.
National Breast Cancer Foundation
Breast cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers amongst women, and many of us will be affected at some point, whether directly or through someone we love. 1 in 7 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, while 1 in 500 men are also diagnosed.
Thanks to the National Breast Cancer Foundation there have been some fantastic inroads into reducing death rates and increasing diagnosis rates over the last 20 years.
Here are some key aspects of the NBCF’s activities:
Research Funding: The primary focus of the NBCF is to fund research projects aimed at understanding the causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of breast cancer. By providing financial support to researchers and institutions, the NBCF aims to drive further advancements in the field and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals affected by breast cancer.
Early Detection and Diagnosis: The NBCF invests in research that aims to enhance early detection methods for breast cancer. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. This includes supporting projects related to innovative screening technologies and diagnostic tools.
Treatment and Survivorship: Research funded by the NBCF also addresses advancements in breast cancer treatment options. This includes investigating new therapeutic approaches, personalised medicine strategies, and interventions to enhance the quality of life for breast cancer survivors.
Community Education and Awareness: The NBCF is involved in community outreach and education programs to raise awareness about breast cancer, its risk factors, and the importance of early detection. By providing accurate and up-to-date information, the foundation aims to empower individuals to take control of their breast health.
Advocacy and Policy: The NBCF also engages in advocacy efforts to influence policies related to breast cancer research, healthcare, and support services. This can involve working with government bodies and other organisations to ensure that breast cancer remains a priority on the national health agenda.
Partnerships and Collaboration: The foundation collaborates with various stakeholders, including researchers, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and other organisations, to foster a collaborative approach to tackling breast cancer.
Fundraising Initiatives: The NBCF organises and supports fundraising events and campaigns to generate funds for research projects. This includes community events, partnerships with businesses, and individual donations.
Funding to the National Breast Cancer Foundation goes to understanding the risk factors for developing breast cancer, early detection, new and improved treatments and helping survivors maintain a high quality of life.
Heart Foundation Australia
The Heart Foundation in Australia is a non-profit organisation dedicated to preventing heart disease and improving the heart health of Australians.
It may not be a disease we hear a lot about in the media, but there are a large number of Australians living with heart disease – 1 in 6, or just a touch over 16% of our population. While it is still one of the most prevalent diseases in the country, numbers have been declining thanks to research from institutes into risk factors, medications, and interventions.
Here are some key areas of focus and activities undertaken by the Heart Foundation:
Heart Health Promotion: The Heart Foundation works to raise awareness about heart health and educate the public on ways to prevent heart disease. This includes providing information about healthy lifestyles, diet, exercise, and other factors that contribute to heart health.
Research Funding: One of the primary roles of the Heart Foundation is to fund research aimed at better understanding the causes, treatment, and prevention of heart disease. This involves supporting research projects conducted by scientists and healthcare professionals across Australia.
Guidelines and Recommendations: The Heart Foundation develops evidence-based guidelines and recommendations for healthcare professionals and the public. These guidelines cover topics such as healthy eating, physical activity, and the management of cardiovascular risk factors.
Advocacy: The organisation engages in advocacy efforts to influence government policies and initiatives related to heart health. This includes advocating for policies that promote healthy environments, improve access to healthcare, and support heart disease prevention.
Community Programs: The Heart Foundation implements various community-based programs to encourage heart-healthy behaviours. This includes initiatives in schools, workplaces, and local communities to promote physical activity, healthy eating, and overall cardiovascular well-being.
Support for Patients and Families: The Heart Foundation provides support and information for individuals and families affected by heart disease. This may include resources on managing heart conditions, recovery after a cardiac event, and living a heart-healthy lifestyle.
Professional Development: The organisation offers training and professional development opportunities for healthcare professionals to stay informed about the latest research and best practices in cardiovascular care.
Fundraising Initiatives: Like many non-profit organisations, the Heart Foundation engages in fundraising activities to support its programs and research initiatives. This can involve community events, corporate partnerships, and individual donations.
The Heart Foundation has a goal to completely eradicate coronary heart disease in Australia, and has already made huge steps, with an approximate 80% reduction in cardiovascular disease since the 1980’s.
How You Can Help Us Support Our Chosen Charities
We know that people want to support charities, so we’ve made it easy for you to help us continuously support local Australian charities doing good things.
This year, we have 15 Christmas card designs for you to choose from, all printed on paper from certified and sustainably managed forests.
These cards are our exclusive Charity Christmas Card range, printed for you to send out to family, friends or your business associates.
In 2023, help us support the Children’s Cancer Institute, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Heart Research Institute.
Order your Christmas cards today.