Canterbury community will help make a difference during Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal
Regan Austin (left) Area Champion for Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal and Store Manager for Countdown, Eastgate and
Yolanne Savage (right) also from Countdown with Sara Collins and her daughter Maddie who has Nephrotic Syndrome FSGS.
The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal helps children like 10-year-old Maddie Collins by raising money for much needed
medical equipment for 10 children’s wards across the country, including Christchurch Hospital’s children’s ward.
Maddie has Nephrotic Syndrome FSGS, a condition that has required both her kidneys to be removed, and she now has a
kidney donated by her Dad, Adam. Maddie is assessed weekly at Christchurch Hospital for any signs of the disease
returning since her transplant, and is a regular user of vital monitoring equipment provided with funds from the
Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.
Launching in Christchurch this Friday (August 8), Countdown stores will be working alongside 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 Canterbury community to support the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.
Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Chairperson, Ruth Krippner, says taking part in local activities is a great way to
support the children who need us.
“As a community, we need to raise as much money as we can to support kids like Maddie,” Ruth says.
“We’ve had some incredible feedback from the families who have benefited from last year’s appeal and that inspires us to
try and raise even more funds this year. We are proud to support the communities we live and work in and are committed
to making a real difference to New Zealanders. This is just one of many ways we get involved and do our bit,” she says.
Since 2007, the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal has raised nearly $7 million.
Child Health and the Canterbury District Health Board are extremely grateful for all the effort that the staff form
Countdown put into the campaign.
Everyone can participate by making a donation or engaging in local activities and raffles. To donate, simply:
• Visit your local Countdown supermarket and donate at the checkout;
• Purchase a Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal wristband or raffle ticket in store; or
• Visit www.countdown.co.nz to make a donation through the online shopping website.
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