Young Cancer Survivor Raises $670,000 For Starship

A long-standing, fundraising collaboration between Wallace Cotton and Ruby Seeto has raised over $670,000 for Starship Children’s Hospital – and they’re not done yet.

Ruby Seeto has been working with Wallace Cotton since 2009, when she was an 11 year old cancer survivor, designing colourful tea towels to raise funds for Starship, our national children’s hospital. Ruby’s tea towels have become collectors’ items over the years and her new designs are always eagerly anticipated.

Every year, Ruby creates a new design which is produced and sold by Wallace Cotton. $6 from the sale of every tea towel and $4 from the sale of every washcloth set is donated directly to the Starship Foundation. Together, Wallace Cotton and Ruby Seeto have raised more than $670,000 through the sale of Ruby’s tea towels and wash cloths. To date these funds have supported improvements to the Oncology, Medical Specialties, Neurology and Heart wards as well as the establishment of an ovarian cryopreservation banking protocol to benefit young cancer patients.

This year Ruby was inspired to create a fresh citrus design which shares how to create pretty garnishes for spring drinks and home baking.

"I love creating bright and beautiful designs that add a pop of colour and positivity to the home - and this year's citrus design is no different. My Starship tea towels and washcloths are the perfect gift for yourself or others, helping to create brighter futures for Starship kids."

Proceeds from Ruby’s new Citrus tea towel and washcloth sets will raise funds to upgrade the Emergency Department staff tearoom. This will transform a functional space into a comforting environment where the hard working Starship team can feel valued, rest and recharge on their well-earned breaks.

"The Children's Emergency Department at Starship is the only dedicated Emergency Department in New Zealand designed especially for the needs of children. Every day, the incredibly hardworking staff provide life-saving care for kids from all around the country. I'm so happy they'll be recognised with this year's fundraising efforts and look forward to seeing the tearoom transformation." Ruby adds.

Bill Wallace, General Manager at Wallace Cotton, is proud of the fourteen-year collaboration and notes the significance of this year’s project in a time where Covid-19 continues to place heavy demands on healthcare workers worldwide.

“As a home grown, family business we are passionate about our customers and communities, and we love partnering with people and organisations who have a passion for helping others too. Working with Ruby Seeto and Starship has been a long-standing collaboration and one we are incredibly proud of. It is especially fitting that this year’s project recognises the incredible dedication and hard work of our healthcare workers, especially following on from the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Ruby’s Starship Citrus range will be available to purchase in all Wallace Cotton stores and online at www.wallacecotton.com from Wednesday August 3, with $6 from the sale of each tea towel and $4 from the washcloth sets being donated directly to Starship.

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