Waikato Children Benefit From Annual Appeal
Waikato District Health Board accepted $103,000 yesterday from Progressive Enterprises and their annual Fresh Future
fundraising appeal.
The funds will be spent on hospital equipment for Waikids – children who come under the care of Waikato DHB.
“We are always very, very grateful for the funds we receive from Fresh Future,” said Health Waikato chief operating
officer Jan Adams.
“We’ve developed a great partnership and we value your efforts very much.
“Every dollar makes a difference and this money will be put to good use so it benefits the children and youth who come
into our care.”
Waikids is short for Waikato DHB kids – a region wide service that encompasses all children and youth health services
and facilities.
The funds allow the following equipment to be purchased:
Integrated otoacoustic emission measurement machine ($10,000) - identifies hearing disorders through assessment of the
middle and inner ear
Middle ear analyser ($13,000) - examines a child's middle ear
Paediatric hearing aid analyser ($18,000) - examines the electro-acoustic output of hearing aids and the physical
characteristics of a baby’s ear canal
Otometrics accuscreen ($16,000) - handheld device that screens infant hearing
Video endoscopy ($42,000) - portable unit that investigates of a variety of airway problems.
Waikato Hospital is one of 10 hospitals throughout New Zealand to benefit from the appeal, which is now in its fourth
year.
Fundraising activities this year included a knit-a-thon, walk around the lake, head shaving, sausage sizzles, and a
national raffle.
Waikato Hospital staff supported the appeal through weekly denim days where staff were encouraged to make a gold coin
donation in exchange for wearing jeans to work, or a denim days sticker.
Michelle Hamilton and Darren Smith from Progressive Enterprises also presented the hospital with 3625 knitted items and
toys for Waikato Hospital wards.
Staff and customers of Foodtown, Woolworths, Countdown, SuperValue, Fresh Choice and Dick Smith Electronics stores
nationwide raised more than $759,000 after the appeal’s launch in August.
ENDS