Media release
Tuesday 29 July, 2014
Charity walk and cycle to raise funds
Get your walking shoes and bikes out for the annual West Coast DHB’s Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Charity Walk on
Saturday 9 August.
The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal has been a great benefactor for Grey Hospital’s paediatric and maternity services.
Over the last six years, more than $300,000 has been donated towards equipment to help babies, children and their
families, and the staff operating these important services
The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Charity Walk (either a return walk or cycle) leaves from the Greymouth Aero Club at
10am.
Organiser Dot O’Connor, the Clinical Nurse Leader of Parfitt Ward, says the charity walk is a fundraiser for the
Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal, which in turn has given generous grants to help with equipment purchase for the Coast’s
paediatric and maternity services.
“It would be great to see local families out supporting this appeal. In recent years, grants from the Countdown Kids
Hospital Appeal have resulted in the purchase of a tele-medicine unit, training simulator, a stroller, high chair and
car seat, a birthing bed and DVD player and other great extras. This frees up our stretched healthcare dollars for other
things, so we’re incredibly grateful.
“It’s a fun family event which will happen rain or shine. We try and keep the entry costs down to encourage families to
participate. It’s only $5 for individuals or $10 for a family, and the course is not too challenging. It takes about an
hour at most to walk around the circuit,” Dot says.
Spot prizes will be awarded at the Greymouth Aero Club at the end of the event and a barbecue and raffle held
throughout. Participants can register by emailing dorothy.oconnor@westcoastdhb.health.nz or come early on the day to
sign up.
ends