Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal donates $80,000 to NEW Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital Equipment Fund
Wellington Hospitals Foundation’s “All Brand New” Medical Equipment Fund got off to a great start this morning with the Wellington Countdown Stores presenting a cheque for $80,0000 for the New Wellington Regional Children’s Hospital. This is the first major donation to fund new medical equipment for Wellington’s New Children’s Hospital. The funds will be used to purchase high-tech, electronic beds for young patients.
Bill Day, Chair of Wellington Hospitals Foundation said that Countdown have been supporters of Wellington’s Children’s Hospital, with their annual Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal, for over 12 years.
“This year and next year’s support will be used to purchase brand new beds for our New Children’s Hospital. Countdown staff and customers are making a real difference to our Children’s Health and we are delighted they are supporting us with the “All Brand New” Medical Equipment Fund, we cannot thank them enough. Funds raised by Countdown for Wellington Children’s Hospital over the past 12 years now totals almost $1.5m.”
Countdown and Wellington Children’s Hospital staff gathered at Wellington Regional Hospital this morning for the presentation and to see a sample of one of the beds. Each bed costs $4,000 and 60 to 70 beds will be needed for the New Children’s Hospital.
Children’s Hospital staff with a sample of one of the new beds!
Dr Andrew Marshall, Clinical leader for Children’s Hospital expressed his delight at this wonderful initiative by Countdown. “We are so thrilled to begin our journey, with this donation, to ensure that we have the best and most modern equipment for our young patients”.
Paul Bernie, Store Manager of Countdown Newtown, said that all Countdown stores throughout the Wellington Region have tremendous pride in supporting Wellington Children’s Hospital and each store is already planning their store campaigns for next year!
On 7 November, Wellington Property Developer and benefactor Mr Mark Dunajtschik began to build the new hospital with the special laying of Mauri Stones. “All ground works and plans have been completed and the crane has now been installed. So we are underway.” said Dr Andrew Marshall.
Wellington Hospitals Foundation’s “All Brand New” Medical Equipment Fund, which is reliant on the community’s support, aims to raise $6m to fund the rest of the “All Brand New” equipment required for the New Children’s Hospital before it’s opening in early 2021. Click here to support this appeal by making a donation!