Cards to support HeartKids

On 14 February HeartKidswill celebrateSweetheart Day, a national campaign held on Valentine's Day toraise awareness of congenital heart disease (CHD). In Australia, eight babies a day are bornwith CHD, with the life-threateningdisease claiming four precious lives each week.The impact on children and their families is significant and enduring.

HeartKids, Australia's only national charity dedicated to supporting the CHD community, is encouraging Australians to celebrate Valentine's Day this year by opening their heart to a heart kid and purchasing a special Heart Kids Valentine's Day card.  These are no ordinary cards-these Valentine's Day cards show you care, with all $10 of the purchase price going directly to support the delivery of vital CHD support programs for children and their families. There are two different card designs available which can be purchased online through the Sweetheart Day website or at selected locations.

CHD is a life-threatening condition that affects over 65,000 Australians for the rest of their lives. Individuals living with the disease face unique challenges, many requiring repeated heart surgeries and ongoing medical treatment and care.  The disease also has a significant impact on families and communities who support those living with this disease, often causing enormous emotional and financial stress.

In 2022, the work of HeartKids included over 1,700 check-in callsto individuals, support to over 870 families in hospital and provided direct financial assistance to over 218 families. This year a further 3,000 babies are expected to be born with CHD. Thankfully medical advancements are increasing survival rates and the number of children and teens living with CHD, however this also increases the demand for the specialist support provided by HeartKids.

The HeartKids Board, chaired by Elizabeth Foley, is committed to increasing access to HeartKids support for families in need, acknowledging there is still much to be done to meet the unmet demand for programs and services, making fundraising initiatives like Sweetheart Day critically important. "HeartKids has been providing critical support for the CHD community for nearly half a century and relies heavily on innovative and exciting funding campaigns. This year's Sweetheart Day is no different, as we look to inspire everyone to open their hearts and buy a HeartKids Valentine's Day card for their friends and family. Not only will the purchase contribute to raising vital funds to expand HeartKids reach and expand our support services and programs across Australia, particularly those living in rural and remote communities, it will show that you care," said Elizabeth.

How to participate in HeartKids Sweetheart Day this February:

Donate or purchase a HeartKids Sweetheart Day Card from selected locations across Australia, or online from the Sweetheart Daywebsite.  All proceeds go directly to helping HeartKids support those affected by congenital heart disease and their families.

Purchase a HeartKids bracelet online from the Sweetheart Day website.

Help fundraise Sweetheart Day cards at your workplace or fundraising event

Set up a fundraising page at www.sweatheartday.org.au

Follow HeartKids Facebook or Instagram, tagging @HeartKids and using hashtag

https://www.sweetheartday.org.au/