Countdown appeal raises $100,000

BOPDHB and Countdown staff with the 2017 Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal cheque for $99,440. Photo/supplied

Sick Bay of Plenty children have been given a boost of nearly $100,000, thanks to the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal.

The annual appeal, in its 11th year, donated $99,440 to the Bay of Plenty District Health Board (BOPDHB) in a cheque presentation at Fraser Cove Countdown, Tauranga last week.

BOPDHB chief executive Helen Mason says accepting a cheque of this size was humbling and thanked everyone for their fundraising efforts.

"This is my first year of having the honour as CE to receive the cheque from Countdown and on behalf of the DHB I would like to say how deeply grateful we are for this continued generosity."

The money allowed the DHB to purchase the 'nice-to haves' over and above what could be afforded within the constraints of budget, Helen says.

"It gives us the chance to buy equipment which we wouldn't have been able to otherwise.

This has a direct impact on our patients of course and is also a great morale booster for staff."

Countdown Bay of Plenty group manager Martyn Douglas said the appeal was about giving back to the community.

The appeal holds fundraising events and initiatives over a three month period, and this year included cake sales, barbecues, raffles, a quiz night and pool competition.

Food companies also donate a percentage of their profits from products sold in local stores.

In 2017 efforts two Countdown staff members — group manager Phil Guilford and Tauranga store manager Craig Taylor — committed to running 42km a week over the appeal's 12 weeks. That's an average of 6km every day and a total of 504km.

The appeal ran from August7 until October 29. Nationally it raised $1.26 million this year.