Thanks to the support of the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust, Heart Kids Canterbury hosted a special event for families and children impacted by childhood heart conditions.
The event, held at the Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre on Sunday 18 May, brought together around 150 people for a fun-filled day of swimming, pizza, hot drinks and treats, and connection.
The Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust is funded by local owner-operators of New World, PAK’nSAVE, and Four Square stores, who are committed to serving and supporting their communities.
New World Kaiapoi owner-operator Laura Caldwell chose to support Heart Kids in recognition of the incredible support the organisation has provided her own family. The cause is especially meaningful to Laura, whose nephew Joe was born with transposition of the arteries and underwent open-heart surgery at just seven days old.
“Joe is now 14 and still goes to Heart Kids camp,” says Laura. “This organisation means so much to us and our family. Back when we lived in Nelson, my husband Gareth and I even helped fundraise with a north-to-south charity drive.
“Supporting Heart Kids is something we’ll always do – it’s our way of giving back to the people who were there for our family when we needed it most.”
Barbara Chapman, Engagement and Grants Specialist at Heart Kids NZ, said events like these foster connection, resilience and inclusion.
“Heart children often feel different – but coming together with others who share similar journeys helps them feel seen, understood and supported,” Barbara said.
“We’ve seen how children open up, compare their ‘zipper scars’ from surgery, and build confidence in safe, accepting spaces. These moments have a huge impact on their overall wellbeing.”
With the rising cost of living, Heart Kids Canterbury offered the event free of charge, thanks to the generous support of the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust, ensuring no family was left out due to financial hardship. The event also supported parents, creating valuable opportunities to build peer networks and reduce isolation through shared experience.
Heart Kids NZ, the country’s only national organisation dedicated to supporting people affected by childhood heart conditions, has provided free, lifelong care for over 40 years. In Canterbury alone, 1,925 members benefit from their services – helping ensure families feel informed, connected and supported.
Every week, 12 babies are born in New Zealand with a congenital heart condition and others are diagnosed with an acquired heart condition following an illness such as rheumatic fever. Thanks to the support of the Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust and local supermarkets like New World Kaiapoi, Heart Kids Canterbury can continue making sure these children and their families know they are not alone.
