Light Up Xmas Appeal raises $4.5m

Nine’s Light Up Xmas Appeal on Saturday raised over $4.5 million for the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation.

The inaugural Sydney event was hosted by David Campbell, Sylvia Jeffreys, Belinda Russell, Brooke Boney, Richard Wilkins and Peter Overton.

Monies raised will go towards supporting the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, Kids Research, the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS) and the only children’s hospice in NSW, Bear Cottage.

Nicola Stokes, CEO at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the way the community has responded to our Christmas Appeal. We set an ambitious target of $3 million, and the generosity of corporate partners and community groups and personal donations from the public has been extraordinary, helping us to raise an amazing total of $4,529,906.

“This means we can continue to invest in state-of-the-art equipment and technology for diagnosis and treatment, ensure 24/7 emergency transport for critically ill newborn babies, discover innovative treatments and cures through world-leading research, and provide love and comfort to children and their families needing end-of-life care.

“The outpouring of kindness and support means our excellent network of hospitals and paediatric services can continue to provide the best possible care, when and where it’s needed, and for that I would like to express my heartfelt thanks.”

Donations can still be made to the Light Up Xmas Appeal by going to lightupxmas.org.au or calling 1800 244 537.