Veolia Environmental Services helps Stroke Survivors across Australia through Stroke of Art.

The 5th annual Stroke of Art Charity exhibition and dinner were held in May 2007, with sole sponsor Veolia Environmental Services on hand to lend support.

The exhibition which is held every year at the NSW Parliament House showcases artworks, poetry and handicrafts created solely by stroke survivors from across Australia. Every year it is estimated that over 53, 000 Australians suffer a stroke, of which 12, 000 will not survive. As Australia's third largest killer, the need for increased awareness, advocacy and research is paramount.

Stroke of Art, which was an initiative started by Judi Halliday, a stroke survivor and Ambassador to the National Stroke Foundation, has been running since 2003, and each year more stroke survivors use the exhibition as a means to demonstrate the often lonely and harrowing experience of surviving a stroke.

The 2007 Exhibition was officially opened on May 7th 2007, by Her Excellency, the Governor, Professor Marie Bashir OAM, and had over 80 pieces of artwork from all over Australia and the world.

In conjunction with the exhibition, Veolia also sponsors a Charity Fundraising Dinner, which raises money for the National Stroke Foundation and their research arm. The dinner each year is generously supported by Australian artists, who contribute pieces which are then auctioned. This years contributers included Euan Macleod, Ken Done, Gloria Petyarre and John R Walker. With over 140 guests attending the event, guest speaker Jane Hayley, CEO of the Australian Business Arts Foundation reminded everyone about the immense power of art to heal and the need for increased business support of initiative such as the Stroke of Art and organisations such as the National Stroke Foundation.

With close to $30, 000 being raised for the National Stroke Foundation, the event was deemed a great success.

If you would like further information about Stroke and it's effects, or to make a donation, please contact the National Stroke Foundation at www.strokefoundation.org or call 1800 787 653