Big donation for Child Health

December 11, 2015

Christchurch Hospital’s Child Health division has received a very special early Christmas gift – a cheque for $89,893 from the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.

The presentation was made in Christchurch on Thursday (December 10, 2015).

Heaton Intermediate school pupil, Scarlet Griffin, aged 12, entertained with a Celtic/Christmas Carol medley she put together especially for the event.

The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal helps raise money for medical equipment for children's wards across the country. From 4 August to 31 October each year, Countdown and district health board staff host various fundraising activities, such as quiz nights, car rallies, cake stalls and raffles.

Since its inception in 2007, $9.2 million dollars has been raised, including $1.138 million this year. Of that sum around a million dollars has gone to Christchurch Hospital’s Child Health Division.

Regan Austin, Countdown Kids Area Champion and Store Manager, for Countdown Church Corner, says items the appeal helps fund are things that really make a difference for children and their families.

“This year’s donation will pay for a number of major items including cardiovascular /respiratory monitors for the Children’s Acute Assessment Unit.”

Sarah Ruddick, Store Manager, Northlands, says every year Countdown teams rise to the challenge.

“This year, two checkout operators at the Kaiapoi Countdown even shaved their heads to raise money,” Sarah says.

“We all have dreams, so it’s a privilege to help the younger generation reach their dreams and move forward into their future.”

Pauline Clark, Canterbury DHB Christchurch Hospital General Manager, Medical-Surgical and Women’s-Children’s Health, thanked Countdown staff for their ongoing support.

“It’s easy to be enthusiastic in the first year of anything but you have stood the test of time,” Pauline says.

The items bought each year with the appeal funds provided tangible benefits and made a real difference.

“It’s like having our own angel network and it’s a good excuse for a bit of fun during fundraising time.”

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