Supermarkets buy hi-tech laser

Supermarkets buy hi-tech laser

MONTHS of fundraising by supermarket and retail staff throughout the nation has delivered life changing treatment for children with severe burn scars and birth marks.

The annual Fresh Future campaign run by mega retailer Progressive Enterprises Limited resulted in a whopping $120,000 being donated to the National Burn Centre at Middlemore Hospital in Otahuhu.

Clinical leader of the burn service, Richard Wong She was thrilled to receive the giant cheque which will enable the purchase of a pulsed dye laser.

“We need this laser to give children a better future,” says Mr Wong She. “People can be assured patients get the best care in the world at the National Burn Centre.”

At the presentation ceremony Mr Wong She told staff from Countdown, Foodtown and Progressive management that Maori and Pacific people are five times more likely to suffer a burn.

However, European burn patients are twice as likely to require skin grafts and surgery.

Children and adults from throughout New Zealand are admitted to the specialist National Burn Centre at Middlemore when they have severe burns.

Scarring is almost an inevitable result although good medical and surgical care can minimise the degree of scarring. For optimal results, additional intervention is nearly always required.

While there are many interventions aimed at reducing the amount of scarring forming, there are few options to reduce the amount scar which has already formed.

Lasers represent an important new technique which can improve not only scar development, but also reduce the bulk of scar once formed.

Progressive managing director Peter Smith says staff members fundraise over and above their regular work.

“They do it because they care,” says Mr Smith. “If we can save one life – then it’s worth it.”

All Progressive retailers are involved in the appeal, including, Countdown, Foodtown, Woolworths, Fresh Choice, SuperValue, support offices and Dick Smith.
This year has been challenging for the nation and the Fresh Future appeal was put on hold to raise funds for the Christchurch Earthquake appeal and Pike River Mine appeal.

The national Fresh Future appeal reached an impressive total of $759,600.

ENDS

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