December 20, 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Early Christmas gift for Christchurch Hospital Child Health division

Christchurch Hospital’s Child Health Division has received a welcome donation of $96,806 from the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.

The record amount was gratefully received by Pauline Clark, CDHB General Manager, Medical Surgical and Women’s and Children’s Health, who said it was difficult to convey just how significant the donation is.

“It’s not just about what we can buy but also what it says to the staff, children and their families, that people really care about them. It gives a huge boost to all of us.”

Because of the earthquakes it would be easy for Countdown staff and Christchurch communities to just focus on their own families.

“The fact that you manage all of that and still raise money for us and do it so willingly is absolutely amazing. There are many good causes that Countdown could choose and we are so grateful that you chose us,” she said.

The Countdown team also donated toys and hand knitted baby clothing and teddy bears.

Across the country, this year’s Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal raised more than $1.2 million – the most ever raised since the programme launched in 2007.

Hundreds of fundraising events, organised by Countdown team members, suppliers and district health boards, were held over three months between August and October.

Progressive Enterprises Limited representative, Brett Ashley, General Manager, Supermarket Operations, said the fundraising was a “massive effort”.

“I am inspired by the amazing efforts of the Countdown and hospital teams and to see them working together to achieve a record result.”

Events included a car rally, art auction and sausage sizzles.

Ceremonies are being held across the country this month to present the other participating hospitals with cheques from the Appeal funds.

CDHB hopes to purchase an ECG machine for measuring heart patterns; three vital signs monitors; a Billi Blanket to help newborns recover from jaundice; Accuvein to assist with inserting intravenous lines in children; a Berephone and laptop to screen newborn’s hearing; and two Masimo Radical-7 Oximeters for continuous monitoring.

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

1: Hamish Robinson, Countdown Kids Area Champion and Store Manager for Countdown Hornby and Pauline Clark, CDHB General Manager, Medical Surgical and Women’s and Children’s Health.

2: Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal cake

ENDS

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