Give Young Patients a Better Christmas

Media Release Tuesday 6th December 2016

Give Young Patients a Better Christmas

Christmas is traditionally a special time when families come together, exchange gifts and share joy but for many young people, this occasion can highlight the hard times they are facing in hospital.

Two New Zealand charities, the Starship Foundation and the Maia Health Foundation, have been announced as the beneficiaries for all gold coin donations from Westfield’s Christmas gift wrapping service at six shopping centres across New Zealand.

Scentre Group’s New Zealand Regional Manager, Linda Trainer says the aim of Westfield’s Christmas campaign is to inspire shoppers to show goodwill in the season of giving.

“Westfield’s wish this Christmas is to help New Zealand children and families in need by customers supporting two very worthy children’s charities,” Trainer says.

It is the eleventh year Westfield has supported New Zealand charities at Christmas. Shoppers will be encouraged to embrace the Christmas spirit by donating a gold coin at gift wrapping booths across the country

All funds raised from North Island centres will be donated to the Starship Foundation, with South Island funds going to the Maia Health Foundation. Both charities have identified meaningful ways children will benefit from the project.

Funds raised for Starship Foundation will help create a new procedure room on the general paediatric wards of Starship Hospital, providing patients access to a calm, purpose-built and child-friendly space to undergo painful or stressful procedures. The new facility is one part of a major refurbishment of Level 5 at the national children’s hospital.

Starship Foundation Chief Executive Brad Clark says Westfield customers’ generous support will make a real difference for Kiwi children like 15-year-old Starship patient Ella Taka-Smith.

Taka-Smith agrees. “By doing this you’re helping kids like me go through their journey a lot easier. It’s just the little things that make the biggest difference - things that stop you from having a panic attack, like music and distraction…it just really helps you a lot,” Taka-Smith says.

The Maia Health Foundation will put the funds towards major enhancements to the children’s ward at Christchurch Hospital, to provide a welcoming difference for children and their families.

Maia Health Foundation Chief Executive Michael Flatman says the support is vital to ensure a unique, healing and supportive environment is developed to make each stay as comfortable as possible for both the child and their family.

“Maia Health Foundation is about enhancing the health experience in Canterbury – taking it from good to great. We’re huge on communities supporting communities,” Flatman adds.
The campaign kicks off with gift wrapping booths open at Westfield Manukau, WestCity and Newmarket from Thursday 8th December. For other gift wrapping times, see below.

Celebrities will show their support of Starship Foundation and the Maia Health Foundation by donating their time to be part of the gift wrapping service.

GIFT WRAPPING SCHEDULE

Auckland
Manukau Thursday 8 December – Saturday 24 December
WestCity Thursday 8 December – Saturday 24 December
Newmarket Thursday 8 December – Saturday 24 December
Albany Friday 9 December – Saturday 24 December
St Lukes Wednesday 14 December – Saturday 24 December

Christchurch
Riccarton Friday 9 December – Saturday 24 December

ENDS

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