Real estate company funds ‘new homes’ for premature babies

MEDIA RELEASE
30 November 2012

Real estate company funds ‘new homes’ for premature babies

Earlier this week Starship Children’s Hospital was presented with the ‘keys’ to six new tiny ‘homes’ for premature babies at the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU), all thanks to the incredible fundraising efforts of Barfoot & Thompson staff.

Each costing about the same as a small house deposit, these new ‘homes’ are six state-of-the-art incubators, which will provide vital life-support for hundreds of premature babies.

NICU Charge Nurse Manager Dale Garton says the new incubators are much needed additions to the fleet, helping ensure there is always a machine easily on hand to help one of the more than 900 infants admitted to the NICU each year.

“Some of the most premature babies will spend the majority of their three to four month stay in NICU in an incubator. It becomes their pseudo-womb, where they can be kept safe and warm while they mature,” explains Ms Garton.

Premature babies often have little or no ability to maintain their body temperature, so incubators provide the warm environment infants need to survive and thrive. The new machines are also equipped with the latest humidity technology for the best hygiene and to help combat dehydration.

“These new incubators are also very ergonomic, providing lots of access for medical staff and, of course, for new parents to help feed, bathe and change the nappies of their babies.”

Not unlike expectant parents, the delivery of the new machines to Starship Children’s Hospital today marks the end of nine months’ hard work and preparation by Barfoot & Thompson staff.

Since February, agents and staff from across the real estate company’s 60+ Auckland and Northland branches have worked tirelessly to raise $133,000 for the cause, almost doubling their annual target.

Branches raised the impressive sum through everything from fashion shows, quiz nights, comedy debates, movie nights and TradeMe auctions to name just a few.

Peter Thompson, Managing Director of Barfoot and Thompson which is a Five Star Partner of the Starship Foundation says it’s a cause that runs right through the heart of the business.

“All of our branches have had some hand in raising this money and making this donation possible. We are extremely passionate and committed, and now very excited to be able to provide these warm, clean and safe new homes for premature babies.”

ENDS

About Starship Foundation
The Starship Foundation raises funds so Starship Children’s Health can better care for New Zealand’s children. Donations are an extra to Government funding and provide a variety of initiatives such as new technology, vital research, boosted family support and preventative programmes. As a charitable organisation, Starship Foundation exists through the generosity of the New Zealand public who lovingly donate money and/or time to assist in making Starship a world class medical facility. Starship Children's Health cares for nearly 120,000 children from around the country each year. New Zealanders can support these children by donating to the Starship Foundation on 09 307 4957 or on-line www.starship.org.nz/foundation.

Barfoot & Thompson knows Auckland best. It is the city’s leading real estate company, selling around one in three Auckland residential homes, significantly ahead of all other competitor brands.

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