Media information For immediate release

29 July 2009

Fundraising appeal for children's health launching next week

Progressive Enterprises' 2009 Fresh Future campaign will launch in the Waikato next week.

Health Waikato is kicking off the campaign with a celebration at Waikato Hospital for Progressive Enterprises and hospital staff.

Over the next eight weeks, staff and customers of Countdown, Woolworths, Foodtown, FreshChoice and Dick Smith Electronics stores will raise funds for 10 children's hospitals nationwide.

Since starting in 2007, the appeal has raised more than $2 million, with $335,000 going to Waikato.

Chief operating officer Jan Adams said last year's funds purchased a range of equipment including breast pumps, oxygen units, trundler beds, reclining chairs, baby scales and glucose monitors.

"This equipment went to child areas at Waikato Hospital and also out into the community.

"We're always incredibly grateful to Fresh Future for helping us to purchase this extra equipment and we always make sure the money is put to very good use.

"It is ultimately spent in a way that will help to improve the experience for children and families who use our facilities," she said.

Mrs Adams said Waikato Hospital staff are getting behind Fresh Future this year too.

"We had two Denim Days last month where we encouraged staff to wear jeans or any other item of denim and donate a gold coin to the Fresh Future campaign.

"The response from staff has been fantastic and so far we've raised almost $1000."

Clinical staff bound by a uniform donated by purchasing a Fresh Future Denim Days sticker with their gold coin.

Two more Denim Days are planned for at Waikato Hospital.

Media are invited to attend the Fresh Future launch. Please RSVP to Ashleigh Peek, details below.

Fresh Future launch, 2pm Tuesday 4 August, Waikato Hospital.

Photos will also be available after the event.

ENDS