Carr Family Foundation

22/09/2026

🥗 Gut health matters! From bloating to reflux, small changes in diet and lifestyle can improve digestion. Track your symptoms and talk to your GP if needed.

11/09/2026

Thanks for the great article Ashburton Guardian

Double the dose.

An Ashburton initiative wants to take potentially life-saving health checks to even more rural New Zealanders.

07/09/2026

Our Health and Wellness Van has clocked up 2,138 health checks, 429 GP referrals, and 56 rural events in the last four years, right across the country.

But we only have one van covering two islands. When events clash on different islands, some communities miss out.

Mike, who had his blood pressure checked at the van in Mosgiel, put it simply: "If I hadn't had that short test at the Carr Foundation van, things might have been a whole lot worse."

We're raising funds for a second van so we can have one permanently based on each island. Every check matters, and every check needs a van nearby.

Can you help us reach more rural communities? Donate, or share this post to spread the word.

🔗 https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/2vans2islands

26/08/2026

Thanks to the Ashburton Guardian for having Stacey and Glenn on to talk about our fundraiser for a new van!

25/08/2026

🌸 Menopause is a natural part of life, but support makes all the difference. Hot flashes, mood swings, or sleep changes? Talk to your GP about what helps.

18/08/2026

Rural New Zealanders are used to putting everyone else first. The stock needs feeding, the crops need harvesting, the jobs need doing. Doctors can be hard to get to, so checkups get pushed to another day. For some families, that delay can have devastating consequences.

That is why the Carr Family Foundation created the Health and Wellness Van. For four years it has been touring the country, taking free health checks directly to agricultural communities at field days, A&P shows, and community gatherings. A Registered Nurse checks blood sugar, oxygen levels, heart rate, cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI, with GP referrals written on the spot for anyone who needs one.

The results speak for themselves: 2,138 health checks completed, 429 GP referrals, and 56 rural events attended. For some, it was their first health check in years. For others, it was the moment something was caught before it became a much bigger problem.

Right now we only have one van, and demand keeps growing. When events clash on different islands, we have to choose, and some communities miss out.

We are raising funds for a second van, so we can have one permanently based on each island: reaching more communities, catching more health concerns early, and referring more people for the support they need.

Rural communities rally around each other. When someone needs help, people step forward. Whether you can give $20, $50, $100 or $500, you are helping us put a Health and Wellness Van on each island.

👉 Donate here: givealittle.co.nz/cause/2vans2islands

Help the Carr Family Foundation fund a second Health & Wellness Van, bringing free health checks to rural communities on both islands.

21/07/2026

💉 Vaccines protect you and your community. From flu shots to boosters, staying up-to-date is the best defence. Check your vaccination schedule today!

23/06/2026

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26/05/2026

👀 Clear vision starts with regular check-ups. Don’t wait for symptoms – early detection of cataracts or glaucoma can save your sight. Book your eye exam today!

21/04/2026

😁 Healthy teeth, healthy body! Gum disease isn’t just about your smile – it can affect your heart and overall health. Schedule your dental check-up now.