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Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal launch at Dunedin Hospital

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A gathering of our staff and patients in the whānau room at Dunedin Hospital tomorrow will mark the launch of the 13th Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal for Otago.

Thousands of Kiwi kids visit hospital wards each year and the appeal will help children like William Carroll by raising funds to help those in need. This year’s appeal aims to raise more than $1 .1 million for much needed medical equipment for children’s ward across the country.

William Carroll Countdown Kids Appeal 2019

William Carroll 

William is one of the many children the appeal helps by raising money for much needed medical equipment for children’s wards across the country including Dunedin Hospital Children’s Services.

William was born at 24 weeks due to his mum Gemma having undiagnosed pre-eclampsia. During the 104 days William spent in NICU it became like a second home to them, and the staff became like family. Being in NICU for so long, William’s mum, Gemma was overwhelmed by the support of the staff and the knowledge that she has gained through them.

William is now a very cheeky, energetic and funny two year old, who loves arts and crafts and being outdoors.

Gemma says, “Thank you Countdown Hospital Appeal for your generosity towards the hospital, enabling them to purchase equipment they need to make a difference to all who walk through their doors.”

Southern DHB’s NICU Charge Nurse Manager, Juliet Manning says the Southern DHB is delighted that the hospital has once again been chosen to benefit of the appeal.

“The Countdown Kids Appeal makes a huge difference for babies, children and whānau across New Zealand. The best way we can express our gratitude is to continue to foster the partnership between the Otago Countdown team and Southern DHB in the belief that together we are on the road to improving the experience of children and whanau using hospital services.”

This year’s Appeal runs from 5 August until 27 October 2019, and money raised in the regions stays in the regions. You can get behind the Appeal by:

  • Visiting any Countdown and donating at the checkout
  • Buying a wristband or raffle ticket in-store
  • Getting involved in your local store’s fundraising activities
  • Donating while you're doing your shopping online by selecting Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal as a product.

Launching at Dunedin Hospital on 14 August, Countdown stores will be working alongside their local children’s wards to host fundraising activities.  From selling cheese rolls to hosting cake stalls, hundreds of Countdown and hospital ward staff will be rallying the Dunedin community to support the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.

Celebrating its 13th anniversary, the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal has raised $1,243,305 for Dunedin Hospital since it began through country-wide fundraising activities.

For more information on the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal visit www.countdown.co.nz/community-environment/countdown-kids-hospital-appeal or enquire at your local Countdown store.

MEDIA ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE LAUNCH:

Event Countdown Kids 2019 Fundraising Campaign for Otago
Date Wednesday 14 August 2019
Time 11AM
Location Whānau Room, Dunedin Hospital Foyer

ENDS

For further information, please contact:
Southern DHB Communications Advisor Pauline Chin on 027 555 2837 or email: Pauline.Chin@southerndhb.govt.nz