The Countdown Kids’ Hospital Appeal has raised an impressive $1.26 million for 13 children’s wards nationwide, with all proceeds used to buy much needed medical equipment to help Kiwi kids around the country.
The twelve-week appeal finished on 29 October; in the 11 years Countdown has run the appeal, more than $11.6 million has been raised.
Countdown stores across the country organised local events to bring the community together and help raise funds for the appeal. The events included a country dance night in Kaiapoi, joining a family motorbike and car poker run in Waikiwi, dressing up for a charity ball in Whanganui, and organising a classic ‘grocery grab’ in Blockhouse Bay, Auckland.
Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal spokesperson, Ruth Krippner, said the success of this year’s campaign is thanks to the enthusiasm and ongoing support of local communities across the country.
“Every year there are thousands of Kiwi kids that need hospital care which is always an extraordinarily hard time for children and their families. The success of this year’s campaign shows a desire within communities to help these children in their time of need and get them home,” said Krippner.
This year some of the equipment on the 13 children’s wards wish lists included a Cardiovascular Ultrasound machine to measure heart rate, a Colposcope for internal examination, a Neonatal Video Laryngoscope to examine the throat and a Wireless Fetal Monitoring System to monitor fetal heart rate.
Cheque presentations will take place over the next few weeks to present the participating hospitals with funds from this year’s appeal.
