Kids cosy this winter thanks to generous folk at Watercare

23/07/2018

More than 100 kids hospitalised in south Auckland this winter will get a brand new pair of pyjamas thanks to the generosity of people at Watercare.

Billing services team leader Lauren Frost again organised a collection for the Kidz First Jammies in June appeal.

"This year we collected 69 pairs of PJs and $377 in cash," Lauren says. "Last year we had donations of 83 pairs of pyjamas and $210 cash.

"I'm always blown away by the generosity of the people who work at Watercare. We achieve some amazing things together."

Lauren and head of customer care Evan James delivered the pyjamas and a cheque to Kidz First Children's Hospital at Middlemore this month.

"The lady who met us said there was no doubt some of those PJs would be worn by kids on the ward by the end of that day," Lauren says.

"The PJs are given to sick kids and also to their siblings, to prevent them from getting ill. They're also handed out to community groups to distribute."

Kidz First uses the donated money to buy more pyjamas at a discounted price from their supplier. They top up any sizes where there was a shortage and may also buy blankets.

Children who are warm at night are less likely to fall sick and be admitted to hospital due to preventable illnesses like acute rheumatic fever, a disease usually only found in third world countries but prevalent in south Auckland.