Heart Kids NZ this year’s recipient
EACH year, a charity benefits from a share of the profit from Autospectacular, and this year Heart Kids NZ will be the recipient.
Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the most common type of heart defect, affecting 1 in 100 newborns, and are the leading cause of all infant deaths in New Zealand.
Heart Kids is dedicated to providing lifelong care and support for children, young people, and families impacted by childhood heart defects.
These families face lifelong challenges, and Heart Kids is the only charity in New Zealand that offers them crucial support throughout.
Their services include information, education, training, counselling, specialised equipment, camps, social affiliation, and financial assistance.
‘‘Hearts Kids has no ads, no TV presence, and any income goes to the families,’’ Heart Kids Otago service coordinator Cecilia SullivanGrant says. ‘‘There’s no government funding, and so we just roll up our sleeves and work it out.’’
Heart Kids will have a presence at the Autospectacular on Saturday, with information available so visitors can learn more about the organisation and CHD.
‘‘It’s a wonderful opportunity for people to learn something about Heart Kids,’’ Sullivan-Grant says. ‘‘We’re very grateful to be the recipients this year, it’s a huge privilege.’’