MEDIA RELEASE

Friday 6 November 2009

SUBJECT: Fresh Future Raises $75,000 for Christchurch Children’s Wards The Canterbury District Health Board’s Children’s Health division gratefully received a cheque for $75,000 today as their share of this year’s Fresh Future Appeal funds. The campaign raised $900,000 nationally in just 8-9 weeks.

The cheque was presented by Brett Ashley – General Manager Fresh Future and Hamish Robinson – Area Champion for the Fresh Future Appeal and Store Manager from Woolworths Ferrymead. This is the third year of the campaign, run by Progressive Enterprises. Some of the money received will be used to pay for the production of a series of informational DVDs for children and their families about hospital procedures and coming to hospital.

The rest will be spent on equipment, including items to help position children who have conditions such as traumatic brain injury and other neurological conditions and cannot sit up. Purchases of integrated wall mounted auroscopes/otoscopes for ear examination and a sphygmomanometer for taking blood pressure will also be made. Brett Ashley said the $900,000 raised is an amazing effort, especially taking into account the difficult economic environment.

Raising money for the children of New Zealand is very dear to the hearts of Progressive staff. As well as raising money staff had spent many hours knitting blankets and clothing for babies on the wards, which when collected almost filled Progressive’s boardroom. Next year there were plans to extend the time of the campaign by at least four weeks, he said.

CDHB General Manager of Corporate Services, Murray Dickson, thanked staff and all the public involved in the appeal. “It’s different from putting money in a collection box. People are actively raising money and that makes it even more special, because it comes from the heart. We really treasure that. From us to you – a really big thank you.”

ENDS