Every day in Australia, eight babies are born with a childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), and this February HeartKids is calling on Australians to help support these children and their families through its annual Sweethearts for HeartKids campaign.
The campaign runs throughout Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (7–14 February) and leads into Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day on 14 February. Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital condition in Australia, impacting families from birth and often requiring lifelong care.
Sweethearts for HeartKids encourages Australians to donate $8 for the eight babies diagnosed each day, calling on the community to come together and show what’s possible through collective action, helping provide vital support to more than 250,000 children, teenagers and adults living with heart conditions across the country.
Funds raised through the campaign enable HeartKids to increase access to essential support services in hospitals, communities and regional areas. This includes family support programs, teen camps, education days and funding the HeartKids Helpline, which offers guidance and connection for families navigating a heart disease diagnosis.
Sami Glastonbury, Heart Mum and newly appointed HeartKids CEO states, “As a mother of three, with two children living with heart conditions, I know how overwhelming a diagnosis can feel. HeartKids helps families feel seen and supported at a time when everything feels uncertain.” “Families often spend long periods in hospital or travelling for care. The practical and emotional support HeartKids provides is something you cannot put a price on.
“Giving $8 may seem like a small gesture, but when our generous community give together, the collective impact helps ensure families facing childhood-onset heart disease have support when it matters most.”
How to get involved:
Australians can support Sweethearts for HeartKids in a number of ways:
• Donate $8 for eight children, or visit HeartKids volunteers in red at local shopping centres between 9–14 February to donate on the spot for less than the cost of a rose.
• Host a Sweethearts fundraiser, such as a Galentine’s or Valentine’s event, breakfast, movie night or dinner, to raise funds and spark conversations.
• Volunteer at local Sweethearts activations, including shopping centres, airports and community events.
Get your workplace involved:
Businesses are also encouraged to take part by:
• Participating in Sweethearts for HeartKids in a way that suits their team and location.
• Engaging staff through workplace fundraising or internal events.
• Showing visible support in offices or shopfronts to help raise awareness.
To find out more about Sweethearts for HeartKids, please visit: https://www.heartkids.org.au/sweethearts-for-heartkids/
