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Annual children’s appeal launching in WaikatoThe 2010 Fresh Future fundraising appeal that raises money for hospitals with dedicated children’s areas kicked off in the Waikato today. Waikato Hospital launched the annual campaign with staff from Progressive Enterprises and the DHB. Over the next 13 weeks, staff and customers of Countdown, Woolworths, Foodtown, FreshChoice, SuperValue and Dick Smith Electronics stores will raise funds for 10 children’s hospitals nationwide, including Waikato. Since starting in 2007, the appeal has raised more than $3 million, with $410,000 going to Waikato. Chief operating officer Jan Adams said Health Waikato is very grateful to Progressive Enterprises and their staff for the money they raise. “This money is spent on new equipment and improving the children’s areas at Waikato Hospital. “This extra funding allows us to make special purchases for the children,” she said. Last year’s funds purchased flat screen TVs, DVD players and movies for children’s wards at Waikato Hospital. In previous years, the hospital has purchased a range of equipment and furniture, both for in hospital and out in the community. “We’re always incredibly grateful to Fresh Future for helping us to purchase this extra equipment and we always make sure the money is put to very good use,” Mrs Adams said. “It is ultimately spent in a way that will help to improve the experience for children and families who use our facilities.” Mrs Adams said Waikato Hospital staff are also supporting the appeal again with weekly denim days. “Staff are encouraged to wear jeans on Fridays and donate a gold coin to the Fresh Future appeal. “The support has been fantastic. We’ve raised almost $1000 so far.” Clinical staff bound by a uniform donate by purchasing a Fresh Future sticker with their gold coin. Visit www.countdown.co.nz or www.waikatodhb.govt.nz/freshfuture to find out about ways to get involved and support Fresh Future children’s hospital appeal. ENDS Date: 3 August 2010 Contact: |