Heroes Assemble Across Australia to Support Seriously Sick Kids
6 June 2024
Heroes are assembling in a nationwide push to raise awareness and vital funds for childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), as HeartKids encourages Australians to dress up, donate, and channel their inner superhero on Friday 14th June in the annual fundraising campaign, Hero for HeartKids.
Now in its tenth year, 2024’s Hero for HeartKids sees individuals, workplaces, schools and communities across the country don their favourite superhero outfit to raise money for this vital cause.
HeartKids is Australia’s only not-for-profit organisation supporting all those impacted by CoHD, which is currently the number one cause of death for infants under the age of one in Australia. Over two hundred precious lives are lost each year, and one baby is born every three hours with the disease. Today, there is no cure.
Australia’s largest independent grocery retailer, Drakes Supermarkets, is a major partner of HeartKids, and during this year’s Hero for HeartKids campaign aims to hit a phenomenal milestone of $1 million in donations. Customers to its stores in Queensland and South Australia may see some of their favourite superheroes on the 14th of June and will be encouraged to donate by purchasing a special HeartKids token for $2 in store.
John-Paul Drake, Director, Drakes commented, “Drakes have proudly celebrated Hero for HeartKids Day for 7 years, and we know firsthand what a huge impact HeartKids has on families living with the impacts of CoHD.
“With the help of our amazing team and customers, we’re on target to raise over a total of $1m in donations for this extremely worthy organisation while also having a bit of fun dressing up in store! I think I’ll go as Batman this year.”
Leading automotive retailer Supercheap Auto is another major partner and has raised a staggering $500,000 for the cause so far. It will be encouraging in-store and online POS donations throughout the week of June 10-16 with staff across the nation dressing up for the week with special activities in-store on Saturday 15th June.
HeartKids CEO, Marcus Sandmann, is proud of the campaign reaching its tenth year and encourages everyone to consider donating as it aims for a fundraising total of $350,000 in 2024.
“Our Heart kids and their families are incredibly courageous in the face of CoHD. They are the real heroes who we wish to celebrate in this important campaign.
“By dressing up as superheroes, we’re not only spreading joy and positivity but also raising crucial funds to support families facing the challenges of CoHD. Every donation counts towards the important work HeartKids does to provide support for those battling CoHD, and fund much-needed research to better understand the disease.
“Everyone battling heart disease is already a superhero, and we encourage all Australians to join us for the day to become real-life superheroes for Heart Kids and their families.”
Individuals and teams still have time to register online for Hero for HeartKids to kick-start their fundraising journey. There are endless opportunities to make an impact including rallying support from colleagues, engaging customers, or involving the broader community.
Funds raised through the Hero for HeartKids campaign will enable HeartKids to provide crucial in-hospital and in-community support, as well as advance research efforts aimed at understanding CoHD, facilitating early intervention, with the hope of finding a cure.
Please visit https://www.hero4heartkids.org.au/ to donate.
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Media Contacts
GT Communications
Katie Rodwell
Chloe-Jayne Briffa
About HeartKids
HeartKids is the only national not-for-profit organisation solely focused on supporting and advocating for all people impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), one of the largest causes of infant death in Australia.
Our support is a commitment for life because there is no known cure. We seek to give every child, teenager, and adult in Australia living with childhood-onset heart disease and congenital heart disease a fighting chance to live a long, healthy, and fulfilling life.
HeartKids Limited
02 9460 7450
office@heartkids.org.au
PO Box 2037, North Parramatta, NSW, 1750
