Bartercard Foundation takes the icy plunge!

Media Release

Bartercard Foundation takes the icy plunge!

The Bartercard Foundation is getting behind its chosen charity’s signature event this week, the Heart Stopper Challenge.

Raymond Goubitz, one of Bartercard Foundation’s Trustees, will be taking the icy plunge at the Auckland Central event on Thursday. Raymond will be joining other CEOs from across the country and together the adventurous plungers will sit in a pool of water chilled to a cool 10 degrees for 360 seconds. In doing so, the team will be raising much needed funds for Heart Kids NZ.

Heart Kids NZ, is the only not-for-profit organisation supporting Kiwi kids and their families who are affected by Congenital Heart Disease (CHD), right through their life.

Each week, 12 babies across New Zealand are born with a heart defect. While there are surgical procedures that can improve the heart's function, there is no cure for CHD.

Heart Kids NZ receives no government funding, has no affiliation with the Heart Foundation and must fundraise for all of its services. The Bartercard Foundation is thrilled to be able to help support those fundraising efforts, in whatever manner that takes including getting cold!

Ahead of the challenge, Raymond states, ‘I’m not quite sure what I’m letting myself in for but I’m told it’s supposed to be fun! These children face unimaginable challenges so to be able to raise awareness through this event and others around the country over the next few months is fantastic. It’s great the Bartercard Foundation is able to support the challenge and raise funds for this worthy cause.’

Why take the plunge?

During heart surgery, a child’s chest cavity is filled with an icy slush to slow the heart’s need for oxygen, giving the surgeon a longer window of operating time. With heart surgeries being performed on tiny hearts every single day, anything to help these fighters overcome their massive challenges is vital.

The Heart Stopper Challenge celebrates these brave children, and aims to spread awareness and provide lifelong support for those who battle congenital heart defects.

The funds raised will be used to support heart children and their families in local communities across the country.

The Heart Stopper Challenge has been running for over ten years and will be holding events across Auckland, Rotorua, Coromandel, Wellington, Canterbury, Manawatu and Otago from September to November. It’s free to enter and requires no training. If you’re willing to take on the challenge and eager to show your warm heart for these small fighters, visit heartstopper.org.nz.

If you’d like to support Raymond and Heart Kids, you can donate by visiting https://hscauckcentral17.everydayhero.com/nz/bartercard-foundation-raymond-goubitz.

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