Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal gives sick kids a fresh future

1 August 2011: The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal is calling on New Zealanders to dig deep and help raise funds for children’s hospitals and wards around the country.

This year’s appeal officially launches today and will kick off with a series of local and national fundraising events organised by the team at Countdown, Woolworths and Foodtown supermarkets and local district health boards.

Now in its fifth year, the annual appeal has so far donated almost $4 million to 10 dedicated children’s hospitals and wards throughout New Zealand.

It was previously known as the Fresh Future Children’s Hospital Appeal, and although the appeal is sporting a makeover, it still benefits the same great cause – it’s still all about the kids.

Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Chairperson Ruth Krippner said more than 18,000 Countdown team members are behind the appeal and fundraising activities will be happening across the country.

“Whether it’s buying a raffle ticket or sausage sizzle, participating in a fun event or cheering on some of our dedicated supporters, there are dozens of ways New Zealanders can get in behind the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal,” Ms Krippner said.

Nationwide fundraising activities will include an in-store raffle and knit-a-thon, supported by checkout collection boxes and donations from selected product sales. Online shoppers can also add a donation onto their shopping bill. Other activities around the country include a golf tournament, trivia night and a motorcycle run.

All funds raised during the appeal period, from 1 August to 30 October, go towards purchasing medical equipment for 10 dedicated children’s hospitals and wards in New Zealand including Christchurch, Dunedin, Waikato and Wellington, as well as Kidz First Children’s Hospital at Middlemore, Auckland – home of the National Burn Centre.

Managing Director of Countdown, Dave Chambers, said the company was a proud supporter of these hospitals and the support they provide to New Zealand children.

“Our goal is simple and that is to raise money for sick children around New Zealand. Whether it’s a dialysis machine or an IV pole, we know the funds raised make a difference in the hospitals to ensure patients get access to the best possible medical care and support. This year we hope to beat our fundraising record and cross off some more items off our hospitals’ wish lists,” Mr Chambers added.

Visit www.countdown.co.nz and Countdown’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/countdown for more information about fundraising events and activities happening in your area.

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BACKGROUND:
Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal
• The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal starts on 1 August 2011 and runs for 12 weeks
• It was previously known as the Fresh Future Children’s Hospital Appeal, which has so far raised $3.8 million since 2007
• All funds raised go towards 10 dedicated children’s hospitals and wards around New Zealand
• More than $800,000 was raised in 2010, and was donated to the following hospitals:

Whangarei $33,000
Kidz First $120,000
Waikato $103,000
Tauranga $76,000
Hawke’s Bay $41,000
Wellington $57,000
Greymouth $57,000
Christchurch $75,000
Otago $80,000
Invercargill $80,000

ENDS

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