HeartKids and Drakes Supermarkets launch Scholarship Program to support children with congenital heart disease.
Through the generous donations received over many years by Drakes Supermarkets throughout the Hero for HeartKids campaign, HeartKids and Drakes Supermarkets have partnered to launch the HeartKids /Drakes Supermarket Scholarship Program.
The HeartKids /Drakes Supermarket Scholarship Program will support children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in South Australia and Queensland in further developing their skills or talents, allowing them to achieve their full potential and to follow their life aspirations.
Over 3000 babies are born with a congenital heart defect each year, across Australia. Congenital heart disease is the most common birth abnormality, affecting 1 in every 100 babies and is a leading cause of infant death in Australia. There is no known cure. Thanks to medical advances there are now over 45,000 adults who have lived with a heart condition since childhood.
‘The HeartKids / Drakes Supermarkets Scholarship Program will provide opportunity for children and teens with a congenital heart defect, who have been disadvantaged by long periods of hospitalisation, multiple surgeries or the ongoing effects of their heart defect, to pursue their passions and fulfil their potential,’ says HeartKids SA State Manager, Tania Potts. ‘We are honoured to partner with Drakes Supermarkets. The partnership between HeartKids and Drakes Supermarkets has raised over $500,000, in just four years, helping thousands of local families affected by Congenital Heart Disease, across South Australia and Queensland.’
Individual scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 (up to an annual total of $40,000) in the skills areas of the Arts, Sport, Education, Science and /or Business with applications accepted for children between the ages of 10 to 24 who have experienced congenital, or childhood acquired heart disease across South Australia and Queensland.
Scholarship recipients will be announced late July 2022.
About Drakes Supermarkets
In 1974 Roger Drake purchased his first supermarket, a three-lane store named Jack & Jill’s which employed only four staff.
Today, Drakes Supermarkets is the largest independent grocery retailer in Australia and specialises in supermarket retailing. Operating in over 60 stores across South Australia and Queensland, the company now has an annual turnover in excess of $1 billion and employs over 5,500 staff nationally.
The company’s strength lies in operating on the principles of a family business and supporting local manufacturers and suppliers. Drakes Supermarkets has kept its focus on the important aspects of the business. THE CUSTOMER. This is the company’s competitive edge, along with its family values and Australian heritage.
The company recently built a $125 million Distribution Centre in Edinburgh North, South Australia, and is the only fully independent, family-owned, vertically integrated supermarket chain in Australia.
About HeartKids
HeartKids is a registered national health charity. Working with health professionals, HeartKids provides lifelong support for those with congenital or acquired heart disease and their families Australia-wide. HeartKids also funds life-saving research, advocates and informs. To date, HeartKids has committed more than $3.5 million to fund research into the causes, treatment and management of childhood heart disease.
About congenital heart disease
Congenital heart disease is one of the leading causes of death of Australian babies under one and one of the most common birth abnormalities affecting one in every 100 births. Every day, eight babies are born with congenital heart disease and sadly, four lives are lost each week. There is no known cure. Congenital heart disease is a complex chronic disease requiring lifelong treatment.
For further information and to coordinate media opportunities please contact:
Kim Viney or John Wanna, Write Away Communication
Ph: 02 9978 1400 or 0412 868 472 / 0430 302 822
Email: kim_viney@therecognitiongroup.com.au or john_wanna@therecognitiongroup.com.au
