NZs make a difference during Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal

New Zealanders come together to make a difference during Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal

5 August 2013: Hospital visits aren’t usually part of most children’s after-school routines, but for nine-year-old Cantabrian Maddie Collins, the ambassador for this year’s Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal, hospital has been a significant part of her young life.

Maddie has Nephrotic Syndrome FSGS, a condition that has required both her kidneys to be removed, and she now has a kidney donated by her Dad, Adam. Maddie is assessed weekly at Christchurch Hospital for any signs of the disease returning since her transplant, and is a regular user of vital monitoring equipment provided with funds from the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.

The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal has raised more than $5.7 million since its inception in 2007 to help change the lives of sick Kiwi kids. Funds raised from the Appeal go towards much needed hospital equipment at 10 children’s wards throughout New Zealand that may not otherwise have been purchased.

Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Chairperson, Ruth Krippner, says “You don’t have to be a doctor to make a difference to the lives of children like Maddie – simply show your support through this year’s Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal which has lots of fun, local and national events happening throughout the country.”

“Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal is all about getting together as a community and doing what we can to support children who need us.  At times we can feel a bit helpless because we can’t help in the same way doctors and nurses can, so it’s great that we have other ways to help through this Appeal, fundraising to buy much-needed equipment for kids like Maddie,” says Ruth.

Countdown Managing Director, Dave Chambers, says “Last year we raised a record-breaking $1.2 million thanks to the generosity of our customers, team and local district health boards, which will be hard to beat.  We’ve had some incredible feedback from the families who have benefitted from last year’s Appeal and that inspires us to try and raise even more funds this year.”

“We are proud to support the communities we live and work in and are committed to making a real difference to New Zealanders – and this is just one of the ways we get involved and try to do our bit,” he adds.

Everyone can participate by making a donation or engaging in local activities and raffles.
·      To donate, visit your local Countdown supermarket and donate at the till
·      Visit www.countdown.co.nz to make a donation online
·      Text KIDS to 3066 to make a $3 donation*

More information on Maddie and other children who have been helped by the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal can be found at www.countdown.co.nz, as well as fundraising events and activities across New Zealand.

ENDS
 

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