From the Manager's Desk 
October 2008
The highlight of the last quarter was undoubtedly Heart Children New Zealand’s very first ‘Boot Camp.’ Held in Auckland late in July. Boot Camp is designed specifically for the older heart teens. This year 17 delegates, (not campers anymore) aged 17 to 21 years attended. It proved to be a great opportunity to mix with peers, have fun, share experiences and learn new skills. Programmes included sessions on transition into adulthood, as well as leadership, coping mechanisms, the chance to try Tai Chi, and lots more great activities. Have a look at Heartline’s Page 5 for more on ‘Boot Camp 2008.’ Special thanks to Chris and Lyn Jansen of Christchurch who ran the event, key helpers Wendy Bowen-Graham, Scott Murray and of course Margaret for the fantastic organisation.
This year’s Branch seminar was unfortunately cancelled. Like others in the sector, Heart Children New Zealand are feeling the pinch as funders pull back on their allocations. However, Branch Coordinator Julie Neilsen has been able to visit all Branches recently to help keep everyone aware of developments. Julie has also been working with the Family Support team to create a structure for the Branch sponsored appointment of Family Support Workers. I am delighted that we now have Family Support Workers in both Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay. A big welcome to Maureen Lutter and Debbie Kopu.
A Special General Meeting is to be held in Auckland on the 2nd November and all members will receive further information about the meeting shortly. Following the feedback received from the questionnaire on the future Board structure, proposals for changes of our Constitution have been accepted by the Board and will now be put to members for consideration. The major proposal will allow the appointment of non heart parent Board members with defined skills, whilst retaining the majority stake holding of heart parents in the future direction of our organisation. The Board are also keen to see an adult heart child on the Board to assist with the development of services for ‘older’ heart kids.
ACHD Youth Coordinator Wendy Bowen recently married Hollis Graham – our warmest congratulations to you both. Sadly Fundraising and Communications Coordinator Debbie Madden is taking a break from full time work with Heart Children due to medical reasons. Thanks for putting together the October issue of Heartline Debbie, we look forward to welcoming you back soon.
All the very best to you and your families
Garth Halliday
Teen Beat Camp 28th April-2nd May 2008
Our Sixth Annual Teen Camp for those 13 to 19 years old, was held between in April 2008 at MERC in Long Bay, in Auckland.
Click on the Pictures above to see all the latest 2008 photos
Camp Brave Hearts 21st-25th January 2008
Click on the Pictures above to see all the latest 2008 photos
This camp caters for our 8 to 12 year olds.
The 2009 Camp will again be held in Taupo.
Please click the flyer below for more information.
CBH Flyer.pdf(394.81 KB)
COAGUCHEK STRIP RECALL
www.rochediagnostics.co.nz/coaguchek_recall.html
If you have any concerns please visit the site above and or contact Heather Spinetto at Starship Hospital on 09 630 9972
Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge:
29 November 2008
We at Heart Children, are really excited to be the official charity for the event at the 31st Anniversary of the Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.
To mark this special occasion, Heart Children New Zealand in association with the event organizers have challenged 31 Heart Kids to take on the 5km Heart Ride. This is not easy. 31 kids, born with a heart defect, have taken up this challenge on November 29th, 2008 in Taupo.
Heart Children New Zealand offers you an incredibly satisfying personal achievement, a chance to share the experience with friends and colleagues and the unique opportunity to do something amazing for Kiwi kids.
Thanks to everyone involved in helping Heart Children NZ raise funds at last years Wattyl Lake Taupo Cycle Challenge.
The event was another great sucess, with many Cyclists in the Cycle Challenge signing up for the 'Heart to Heart 160k Challenge' and raising over $100,000 online. The Founder of this cycle race has written his autobiography with details which can be found by Clicking Here
School Competition Results
As part of our 2005, 2006 & 2007 Awareness Week a special competition for schools was run with each school raising funds & submitting their photos.
Starship
The move from Green Lane to Starship Hospital is now past history. Click on the Aerial Photo above to see a larger view of the hospital grounds and location of Heart Children New Zealand House, just down the road.
Click Here for the Starship Map of the Hospital Layout.
The Paediatric Cardiology (Ward 23b) is on Level 3 of Starship Building, with the following contact numbers:
Ward 23b Reception (09) 307 4949 Extn 23230
Hospital Operator (09) 367 0000
The Heart House has now sadly closed, but you will still see Lorraine's smiling face, as she works at Ronald McDonald House at Starship which now looks after all of our families.
0800 KIDZHEARTS
Please make use of our very own freephone number
0800 543 943 (0800 KIDZ HEARTS) which connects you to our National Office in Auckland during normal office hours.
Heart Children Van
Heart Children's Van is a great asset and can be seen regularly taking families out to relieve their stress during their stay at Starship.
Office: "Heart Children NZ House"
We have just relocated from Level 3 to Level 1
of this building, with the access remaining at the rear.
Our Offices in Auckland are a very short walk away from Starship, so do pop down to 60 Grafton Road, Auckland.
You can find us on Level 1, just 500m from Starship Hospital. The entrance is at the rear of the building, down the ROW (at the RHS of this photo), and turn hard left to access the lift.
Contact Details
Our Postal Address & Phone/Fax numbers:
PO Box 108 034
Symonds Street
Auckland 1150
0800 KIDZ HEARTS ie 0800 543 943
Phone: 09 377 9950
Fax: 09 377 9954
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