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Woolley Barista Cleans Up for Sick Kids

Thu, 10 May 2012 21:50:00 -0500

'Clean-Shaven' isn't a term that is usually associated with Ryan Woolley, a barista at Café Neo on Willis Street.

The well known barista now has his shortest hair cut ever after having his locks, beard and moustache shaved off in support of Wellington Children's Hospital.

As he took his seat at the Willis St Village Barber, Ian the barber asked "How much would you like taken off?"

"All of it" the reply came. "Except for the eyebrows."

Several cafe patrons and friends have donate to the cause in support of Ryan which will go toward toys, games and comfort items for the families in hospital.

"The support of Café Neo staff and patrons is greatly appreciated" said Shona Brunton, Fundraising Coordinator at Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation.

"Their support will help make Wellington Children's Hospital a welcoming environment for the thousands of children who are treated here every year".

Donations can be made online to support Ryan at www.fundraiseonline.co.nz/CafeNeo or in the Willis Street cafe. All funds raised support Wellington Children's Hospital which celebrated its 100^th centenary this March.

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DLA Phillips Fox A Proud Supporter

Wed, 09 May 2012 16:00:00 -0500

Wellington law firm DLA Phillips Fox are proud supporters of the Foundation and Wellington Children's Hospital.

The firm recently held their annual Golf Day at Boulcott Golf Course in Wellington and for the first time the tournament was in support of a charity - Wellington Children's Hospital.

The event raised $5,000 to support families and patients in Wellington Children's Hospital, which celebrated its 100th anniversary this year.

Pictured below: Brian Bray, Partner at DLA Phillips Fox, presents a cheque for funds raised to Bill Day, Chair of Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation.

Angelina Ballerina Brings Magic to Hospital

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 16:00:00 -0500

Wellington Children's Hospital was transformed into a magical place today as children were treated to a special visit from Royal New Zealand Ballet's Angelina Ballerina.

"We are delighted that the Royal New Zealand Ballet continues to bring the magic of ballet into the wards" said Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation spokesperson, Maria Quigley. "Every year there are more than 27,000 visits to Wellington Children's Hospital and the Ballet's visit makes the hospital a special place for the young patients and their families".

Angelina Ballerina, performed by dancer Bridgett Letters-Peak, is the latest offering from the Royal New Zealand Ballet. The ballet has wowed audiences across New Zealand and opens in Wellington this week.

Angelina Mousling is a fictional mouse and the star of some twenty enormously popular children's books, which became an animated TV series in 2002, then a musical and now a ballet.

Angelina loves to dance and dreams of becoming a famous ballerina. Miss Lilly is her ballet teacher and Alice Nimbletoes, her best friend. In this production Angelina prepares for her most important performance ever in front of the Camembert Academy judges.

Pictured below: 9 month old Inuau and 11 year old Brooke with Angelina Ballerina.

Hurricanes Cause A Storm in Hospital

Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:12:00 -0500

The Hurricanes rugby players created a storm in Wellington Children's Hospital today as players visited patients and families ahead of their big game against the Cheetahs at Westpac Stadium on Saturday night.

Wellington Hospitals & Health Foundation spokeswoman Maria Quigley said it is fantastic to have continued support from the team.

"Some of the players, like Victor Vito and Jeremy Thrush, have been visiting the children's hospital for 4 years now. They are very relaxed on the wards chatting to families. Their visits make a big difference to a patient's stay in hospital" she said.

Victor Vito said "We enjoy coming and seeing the kids and being able to brighten their day during their time in hospital".

The Hurricanes are Ambassadors of Wellington Children's Hospital which celebrated its 100th centenary this March.

Hurricanes players with patient 9 year old patient Leo Livick.

Saints Basketball Team - Charity Partner

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 09:00:00 -0500

The Exodus Saints have chosen Wellington Children's Hospital as their Official Charity for the 2012 season.

"This year we are proud to be supporting the Wellington Children's Hospital as our official charity for the season." Said Tara Hakiwai, General Manager for the Saints.

The Players will become regularly faces on the children's wards, spending time with patients and their families throughout the season.

The team have a chance at the three-peat this year after successfully defending the tournament title in 2011 and the Foundation will be with them all the way.

Go the Saints!

Point Guard Jason Crowe with 22 month old Duncan during a hospital visit

Terrace Tunnel Walk-Through for Sick Kids

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 15:31:00 -0500

The Terrace Tunnel was open to the public on Sunday 24th March for a one-off chance to walk through it to mark the end of its upgrade, the first upgrade since it was opened in 1978.

Tunnels Alliance chose Wellington Children's Hospital as their charity while the Tunnel was undergoing its makeover.

Members of the public who attended Sunday's walk through donated to the Wellington Children's Hospital Centenary Appeal.

Thanks to all the Foundation Volunteers who turned out to help on a beautiful Wellington night.

Kids Fundraising for Kids

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 17:00:00 -0500

Natasha Lynch and her classmates raised $200 for the Children's Hospital last Thursday.

The Tawa 10-year-old came up with the idea of a bake sale after being in hospital last year and realising there were not many toys to play with.

"I'm just one girl and I can't do this on my own, I thought, so I brought it into the class."

Over two weeks, Natasha, backed by her committee of five and Room 11, organised the bake sale from start to finish, with some help from teachers and parents.

Room 11 teacher Susan Tawharu said the children did everything themselves leading to the bake sale.

"They saw a need. All I did was give them the time," Ms Tawharu said.

The large crowds of children, parents and teachers were delighted when everything was sold within an hour.

Natasha was excited when she learnt the total raised came to $200.

"I feel awesome. We will be able to buy them new toys and some of the equipment they need," she said.

"I would like to do another bake sale soon for the same cause."

Wellington Hospital and Health Foundation chairman Bill Day was very grateful for Natasha's fundraising efforts.

"She's brilliant, that's just wonderful," he said. "The hospital doesn't have funds for buying toys because the money is spent on medical equipment, and it is through the support of the community that these things can be bought.

"Having the toys can relieve the boredom of being in hospital and keeps young patients occupied.

"Natasha is a little star - a Hospi Hero."

The bake sale by chance coincided with the Wellington Children's Hospital's 100th anniversary on March 13.

(Article by Mary Baines of The Wellingtonian newspaper)

Pictured Below: Natasha Lynch holds her HOSPI HERO certificate amongst friends at Wellington Children's Hospital.

Dragon Boat Festival Supports Wellington Children's Hospital

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 15:23:00 -0500

Capital & Coast DHB's Dragon Boat team were well supported by HOSPI and Foundation Volunteers at Wellington's Dragon Boat Festival.

Volunteers raised funds for Wellington Children's Hospital over the two days of the Festival and HOSPI was there to encourage the hospital team.