Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal helps sick kids in hospital

Nearly a quarter of a million dollars has been raised for Hawke’s Bay kids through the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal in the past four years.

This year’s appeal officially begins again on August 6 and Hawke’s Bay Hospital will be kicking off the launch on August 2 with a fun kids lunchtime programme at the hospital from 11am.

There will be face painting, balloons, raffles, a cake stall, a hat parade and special visits from Kiwi Kids preschool and Richmond Schools Pacific Cultural Group, along with some of the players from the Hawke’s Bay Magpie team.

The appeal is now in its sixth year and Hawke’s Bay has been involved for the past four years. All funds raised during the appeal period from 6 August to 28 October go towards much needed medical equipment for the hospital’s maternity unit, special care baby unit, children’s ward, Emergency and Intensive Care Departments as well as associated outpatient clinics.

Chief operating officer Warrick Frater said Hawke’s Bay kids had benefited through the appeal in numerous ways with new medical equipment as well as the hospital being able to build a child behavioural observation unit which  would not have been possible without funding from the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.

“The DHB is very grateful for the ongoing support of Countdown and its staff in fundraising for our DHB - it has made a big difference to the lives of many children while they are in hospital,” Mr Frater said.

Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Chairperson Ruth Krippner said there are dozens of ways everyday New Zealanders can help provide much needed medical support for children. “The message we want to send out to New Zealanders is that you don’t have to be a doctor or nurse to help sick kids,” she said. “Whether it’s taking part in one of our fundraising trivia nights, golf tournaments, sausage sizzles or simply donating at checkouts, we hope that Kiwis will get behind this great cause.”

There will also be a New Zealand-wide raffle with some great prizes available throughout the appeal months.

For further information please contact:

Anna Kirk

Media & Communications Advisor

Hawke's Bay District Health Board

Telephone: (06) 873 2150 or (027) 234 3667

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