$1million Boost For Children’s Health

1 November 2007

$1million Boost For Children’s Health

Wellington Children’s Hospital receive $211,000.00

New Zealanders have risen to the challenge and raised over NZ$1million in just 8 weeks for sick children.

The funds raised through the first ever Fresh Future Appeal will go towards paediatric care in dedicated children’s wards in Wellington Hospital, Dunedin Hospital, Christchurch Hospital and Waikato Hospital and as well as Kidz First Children’s Hospital, Auckland. Of the funds raised, $210,947.80 has to-day been given to Wellington Children’s Hospital.

Bill Day, Executive Chair Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation commented, “We are delighted to be part of this new initiative. Wellington Children's Hospital treats an average of 4050 young patients a year and the Foundation raises funds for projects that benefit patients and their families – such as financing medical and other equipment, facilities and research”.

“We are pleased to announce that the funds raised by the Fresh Future Appeal will enable us to not only commit to a new Acute Assessment and Short Stay Unit at Wellington Children's Hospital, but also start on this much needed project well ahead of the original schedule. The unit will be known as the Fresh Future Acute Assessment Unit in recognition of the huge contribution made by the staff and customers who gave to the Appeal.” Mr Day said.

The Appeal ran across Foodtown, Countdown, Woolworths, SuperValue and FreshChoice stores and support offices nationwide, with staff organising a broad and imaginative range of fundraising activities including dunking local mayors, sponsored bike rides, head shaves (men and women!) and the sale of specially designed eco bags.

As the Appeal aims to support kiwi kids and their families, the other beneficiary hospitals – Dunedin, Waikato, Christchurch and Kidz First Children’s Hospital in Auckland - will utilise the funding for vital equipment and services.

Progressive Enterprises Managing Director, Peter Smith, has been overwhelmed by the total raised and by the enthusiasm shown, “Reaching our $1million target in the first year is fantastic. This wonderful contribution to children’s health in New Zealand is possible thanks to our staff, customers and suppliers taking up the challenge and lending their support.

We look forward to the Appeal being an annual event across New Zealand and are thankful to have an opportunity to help the communities our stores are part of. ”

ENDS

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