For the fourth consecutive year, proceeds from Drakes Supermarkets Be a Hero for HeartKids day have been donated to the HeartKids organisation.
A cheque for $198,205.01 was presented to HeartKids SA/NT State Manager Tania Potts by Roger and John-Paul Drake.
“HeartKids is the only national not-for-profit organisation solely focused on supporting and
advocating for all people impacted by childhood heart disease, one of the largest causes of infant death in Australia.”
Team members from both South Australia and Queensland embraced the cause by conducting their own in-store activities, which included raffles, sausage sizzle, face painting, pie the manager and many other activities to help raise awareness.
“Not only were the team able to dress up as their favourite hero on the day, they also invited the children and families to participate in the activities,” Drakes Supermarkets said.
Each year, Drakes Supermarkets encourages customers to get involved during the month of June by selling $2 Wall Tokens which contributes to the much-needed funds raised for HeartKids.
This year, Drakes received a special invite from the Women’s and Children’s Hospital where several team members dressed up as heroes and were able to visit children affected by CHD. This humbling experience made the focus of the day just that more special and heart-warming.
HeartKids State Manager Tania Potts said, “The funds raised by Drakes through Be A Hero for HearKids events, and other activities, will enable us to provide vital support to the eight babies born each day with congenital heart disease and their families.
“Emergency support such as care bags and financial assistance for families travelling to Melbourne for surgery, or in unexpected hospital stays in SA, relieve the pressure when they are at their vulnerable. When they return home peer support programs and education events provide a vital network equipping the entire family to guide their CHD journey,” Ms Potts added.
Drakes Supermarkets Director John-Paul Drake said, “We are overwhelmed with all the support from our team and customers, from the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your support.”
For more information about HeartKids, visit heartkids.org.au.