Twelve days of Christmas: Communicare Auckland

Auckland Airport is giving $10,000 each to 12 charities as part of its annual 12 Days of Christmas initiative. The Herald is profiling each initiative in the lead up to the big day. The $120,000 came from change dropped off by travellers at the airport this year.

We all know it is important to stay active - physical stimulation promotes a sense of wellbeing.

When you get older it is just as important to stay active and for nearly 60 years Communicare Auckland has done that.

Running friendship centres for the elderly and disabled, members come together to participate in physical activities.

Members currently participate in activities like bowls or boccia, with the grant allowing Communicare to introduce an exercise regime and run it through their 21 city-wide centres.

"We will be looking to introduce exercises that can be done both while standing or while seated – largely concentrating on good breathing techniques and flexibility.

"We will be following expert advice on the exact form this should take," Viv Muir of Communicare Auckland said.

Muir said they were stoked to have been selected for the grant and thanked Auckland Airport.

"It is amazing to have this grant from Auckland Airport and to feel a part of their 12 Days of Christmas.

"We are one of many small not-for-profits working quietly away in the background to make life better for someone and it is fantastic to feel that we have been recognised and rewarded for that," Muir said.

Auckland Airport's general manager Anna Cassels-Brown said they were pleased to support such a charity.

"Christmas is a time for coming together so we're pleased to support a charity that connects older people and helps them build friendships and good mental and physical heath."