News and Notices

Kids help launch the 2019 Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal


The 2019 Countdown Kids hospital appeal was launched at Nelson Hospital last week, with special guests from Health Kids Kindergarten putting a smile on hospital and Countdown employees' faces.

The annual appeal aims to raise over a million dollars for children’s hospitals and wards throughout New Zealand.

All funds are donated towards the purchase of 'wish lists' hospital equipment and furnishings. In 2018 Nelson Marlborough Health received $30,000 from the Countdown Kids Trust to purchase paediatric equipment for its hospitals. 

This year, the wish list from Nelson Marlborough Health includes a teaching mannequin, and a revamped children's waiting and play area in emergency department to help keep children happy during their time in the waiting room. 

Lexie O’Shea, General Manager Clinical Services encourages everyone to get behind the fundraising efforts of the Countdown team and their generous customers.

“Many people have experienced a neonatal or paediatric admission or know someone who has, so they appreciate the extra play items and equipment that has been made possible through the generosity of the Countdown Kids hospital appeal.”

Countdown’s General Manager Corporate Affairs, Safety and Sustainability, Kiri Hannifin, says Countdown is humbled by the generosity of its customers and the fundraising efforts of supermarket teams throughout New Zealand.

“Together our team and customers help make such a significant difference to thousands of sick Kiwi kids and their whanau. Whether it’s a vision screening device for Christchurch Hospital, a giraffe warmer for Waikato’s neo-natal unit, or simply play equipment for Whangarei Hospital’s whanau house, this year’s appeal aims to help make a child’s stay easier.

"Even the smallest comforts can make a real difference and we are really proud to help do that for our communities,” says Kiri.

Running until 28 October, the appeal has raised more than $12.8 million since it first began in 2007, with the funds raised going to hospitals nationwide.


Countdown Cake cutting

 GM Clinical Service Lexie O'Shea and a friend help cut a cake to celebrate the launch of the annual Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.