Wearing Red This Valentine’s Day

WEARING RED THIS VALENTINE’S DAY – embargoed until 14th February

EMBARGOED 14TH FEBRUARY, 2018

While many people angst over what to get their loved ones today, others are ‘showing their love in a different way this Valentine’s Day’.

Today (14th February) is International CHD Day, or as we call it in New Zealand, “Little Heart Day”, and thousands of people around the country will be wearing red to raise awareness of congenital heart defects which are the number 1 cause of death for infants and newborns in New Zealand.

Every week 12 babies are born with a heart defect in New Zealand. Heart Kids is a not-for-profit organisation that provides support services to kids, teens, adults living with a childhood heart condition and their families. It is the only organisation in NZ dedicated to supporting heart kids through life.

A CHD is the most common serious birth abnormality in New Zealand. There is neither prevention nor cure for a CHD.

Every year in New Zealand, over 550 major heart surgeries are performed on children or babies (sometimes in their first few hours of life). For many this won’t be their last and they will continue to face the day-to-day challenges associated with their heart condition. Annually over 50 heart kids will lose their battle and become heart angels.

New Zealand Cricket are major supporters of Heart Kids NZ and regularly provide wonderful opportunities for heart families. During the current International Cricket
Series heart kids have been the official flag bearers at a number of fixtures around the country. There will be eight heart kids on flag bearing duty at the Black Caps vs Australia match at Eden Park on Friday 16th, February.

What can you do on February 14th?

• Wear Red and show your love in a different way this Valentine’s Day

• Go to www.heartkids.org.nz to find out more about CHDs or make a donation

• Use the #littleheartday on any social media posts and tag @heartkidsnz

• Text HEART to 2427 to make a $3 donation

Ends

For more information:

www.heartkids.org.nz

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