Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal benefits Otago children

Countdown Kids 2018 Hospital Appeal has raised a massive $71,000 for Otago children this year.

Countdown and Southern DHB staff, together with this years’ local child ambassador for the appeal, Teiana Kerena-Williams attended the cheque presentation this morning at Countdown Central in Dunedin.

 “This is a fantastic amount raised and we can’t begin to thank everyone who got behind the appeal.  We’re really grateful for the continuing generosity of Countdown staff for the efforts they make in fundraising each year and for the fabulous support we have from the local community,” says Southern DHB Director of Nursing Medicine, Jenny Hanson.

 “With the money raised we’ll be able to purchase items on the hospitals wish list, which this year include items for services across Otago, as well as for children’s services at Dunedin Hospital. It’s lovely to be able support the communities of Wanaka and Oamaru – from the funds we’ll be able to provide a resuscitaire infant warmer for Wanaka Medical Centre, and a paediatric bed for Oamaru Hospital Emergency Department.”

The Appeal is Countdown’s annual national fundraising activity to raise money to support the purchase of additional equipment for 21 children’s hospitals and wards across New Zealand.  Hundreds of fundraising events, organised by Countdown team members, suppliers and district health boards, were held over three months between August and October. Locally, these included bake sales and selling cheese rolls, quiz nights and raffle.

Since Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal began in 2007 it has raised $1,243,305 for Otago children.