COUNTDOWN KIDS HOSPITAL APPEAL BEGINS AUGUST 1ST

Progressive Enterprises Ltd continue their support of sick kids with their 5th annual appeal for children's hospitals throughout New Zealand.

Held nationwide in Countdown, Woolworths, Foodtown and support offices, the annual appeal is held from 1 August - 30th October 2011.

Now in its fifth year (previously known as the Fresh Future Children's Hospital Appeal), the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal is sporting a brand new look, but still benefits the same great cause - it's still all about the kids.  The Fresh Future Children's Hospital Appeal donated almost $4 million to 10 dedicated children's wards at New Zealand hospitals over 4 years.

Funds raised go towards purchasing vital hospital equipment that enables New Zealand's medical professionals to give the best possible care to children in hospitals.

Ruth Krippner, chair of the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal said, "So many people have contributed in so many ways to help New Zealand's sick children. Some sponsored 19 riders to cycle 1600 kilometres around Lake Taupo. In Whakatane, around 1100 locals paid for a slice of the world's longest cake.  And in 160 supermarkets, countless others put their loose change in our donation boxes and bought specially marked hot cross buns and lollipops" said Ruth.

Funds from the 2010 Fresh Future Appeal enabled the purchase of a Prismaflex Dialysis Machine for Wellington Children's Hospital for use in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).  The much needed dialysis machine, with special features compatible with young children, was named "The Kirsten" after Wellington store manager for Woolworths, Kirsten Wareham, who is also the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal Champion for the area.  The 2010 Appeal also enabled the purchase of 10 Sleep Apnoea Monitors for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Wellington Children's Hospital.

Dr Shawn Sturland, Director of the Intensive Care Unit, said that "Not only would the machine allow us to care for a wider range of critically ill patients. But also to meet periods of increased demand for this treatment like was seen after the Christchurch earthquake."

For updates on fundraising activities taking place in the Wellington region, follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wellingtonchildrenshospital.