Hundreds of pyjamas distributed to sick Wellington children to keep them warm this winter
- and more are needed!

Wellington Hospitals Foundation’s ‘Hospi’s Pyjamas for Winter Appeal’ is making a huge difference for sick children this winter, thanks to the amazing support of the community.

The appeal, which is calling for donations of brand new flannelette pyjamas to help keep sick kids warm this winter, was launched following significant demand from Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital.

Since the appeal’s launch three weeks ago, 1500 pairs of pyjamas have been donated, along with some very generous online donations to enable the purchase of additional pyjamas.

Cigna Insurance, Kapiti Coast District Council, Karori Community Group, and Sathya Sai Service Organisation of Wellington, are just some of the many local community groups and business that have got behind the appeal, asking all their members and staff to donate pyjamas.

The pyjamas are distributed to children both who stay in the Children’s Hospital, and those who are seen at home by Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital’s Paediatric Community Nurses. The Paediatric Community Nurses see a wide range of children and families at their homes in the Greater Wellington Region. Patients range from fast, acute in and out referrals, to chronic long term families and palliative care families.

Paediatric Community Nurse Kerry Dellabarca told us, "We recently visited a little girl in a small, cold house up on the hills. She absolutely loved the pyjamas, but what was so special was the next day I visited her and she hadn't taken them off! I walked in the door and she said, "Hey Kerry, look at my new pyjamas!” We also visited a home this morning where there are seven children in the house, all cared for by their grandmother. When they get home from school today they will all have a pair of new pyjamas on the end of their bed.”

Clinical Nurse Specialist Charlotte Stanczuk, who has been assisting with the distributions at Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital, wishes to thank every single individual who has donated pyjamas or made a donation online so far. "We are thrilled with the community’s support of this appeal, however there are still many more children in the Wellington region who need pyjamas. You would not believe what a difference a pair of pyjamas can make this winter for sick children.” she says.

Wellington Regional Children's Hospital Clinical Nurse Specialist Charlotte Stanczuk, with Paediatric Community Nurses Kerry Dellabarca and Helen Orr and some of the pyjamas.

Wellington Hospitals Foundation Chair Bill Day said, “We are hoping to reach a target of 5000 pairs of pyjamas by the close of the appeal at the end of June.”

You can donate brand new flannelette, size 2-12, pyjamas to Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital by dropping them off at the receptions at: Wellington Hospital, Kenepuru Hospital, and Kapiti Health Centre. Or, they can be posted to: Wellington Hospitals Foundation, Wellington Hospital Private Bag 7902, Wellington 6242, New Zealand.

You can also make a donation online at whf.org.nz/donate and Hospi will buy a pair on your behalf!
To learn more and join Hospi’s Pyjamas for Winter Appeal, visit whf.org.nz/pyjamaappeal

(All pyjamas must meet NZ product safety standards for fire safety. Due to the risk of infection, only brand new pyjamas can be accepted.)

ENDS

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