A Christmas card that cares beyond the card

A Christmas card is a small thing. It sits on a mantelpiece for a few weeks, then it's gone.

A charity card does a little more. Some of what you pay goes somewhere that matters, and the person who opens it gets a quiet reminder of that too.

This year we're stocking the Australian Christmas Serenity cards, made in support of Children's Medical Research Institute. They're a lovely Australian design, and a box costs $13.99.

The cards

The design is by Australian artist Clair Bremner. Each wallet holds 10 cards, and every card comes with its own illustrated envelope. That's a nice touch, because the envelope is the first thing the recipient sees.

The cards are printed on textured, premium matt paper from FSC-certified sources, using soy inks. The envelopes are printed with vegetable ink. Foil highlights on the wallet and the cards add a little sparkle without overdoing it.

Each card is 124mm square. Inside, it reads "With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year", which leaves plenty of room for your own note.

The charity

Children's Medical Research Institute, or CMRI, is based at Westmead in Sydney. It began in 1958 as Australia's first paediatric research institute.

Its scientists research childhood cancer, genetic disease, birth defects and epilepsy. Over the years, CMRI's work has helped improve survival rates for premature babies and helped bring in rubella vaccination. Today it is known around the world for its cancer and gene therapy research.

Many Australians know CMRI through Jeans for Genes Day, when workplaces and schools wear denim each August to raise funds.

With these cards, 10% of wholesale proceeds go to CMRI.

Write early this year

The post gets busy in December. Cards bought now give you time to write them properly and send them without a rush.

If you send a lot of cards, consider buying two or three boxes so your whole list matches. Order the Australian Christmas Serenity cards here, or browse our full range of charity Christmas cards.

If you have any questions, email orders@myornaments.com.au or call us on 03 9524 8080, Monday to Friday.