Be a sweetheart for heart kids this February
Every day in Australia, eight babies are born with a childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD), and this February HeartKids is calling on Australians to help support these children and their families through its annual Sweethearts for HeartKids campaign.
The campaign runs throughout Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week (7–14 February) and leads into Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day on 14 February. Congenital heart disease is the most common congenital condition in Australia, impacting families from birth and often requiring lifelong care.
Sweethearts for HeartKids encourages Australians to donate $8 for the eight babies diagnosed each day, calling on the community to come together and show what’s possible through collective action, helping provide vital support to more than 250,000 children, teenagers and adults living with heart conditions across the country.
Funds raised through the campaign enable HeartKids to increase access to essential support services in hospitals, communities and regional areas. This includes family support programs, teen camps, education days and funding the HeartKids Helpline, which offers guidance and connection for families navigating a heart disease diagnosis.
Sami Glastonbury, Heart Mum and newly appointed HeartKids CEO states, “As a mother of three, with two children living with heart conditions, I know how overwhelming a diagnosis can feel. HeartKids helps families feel seen and supported at a time when everything feels uncertain.” “Families often spend long periods in hospital or travelling for care. The practical and emotional support HeartKids provides is something you cannot put a price on.”
“Giving $8 may seem like a small gesture, but when our generous community give together, the collective impact helps ensure families facing childhood-onset heart disease have support when it matters most.”
Australians can support Sweethearts for HeartKids in a number of ways:
- Donate $8 for eight children, or visit HeartKids volunteers in red at local shopping centres between 9–14 February to donate on the spot for less than the cost of a rose.
- Host a Sweethearts fundraiser, such as a Galentine’s or Valentine’s event, breakfast, movie night or dinner, to raise funds and spark conversations.
- Volunteer at local Sweethearts activations, including shopping centres, airports and community events.
Businesses are also encouraged to take part by:
- Participating in Sweethearts for HeartKids in a way that suits their team and location.
- Engaging staff through workplace fundraising or internal events.
- Showing visible support in offices or shopfronts to help raise awareness.
To find out more about Sweethearts for HeartKids, please visit: https://www.heartkids.org.au/sweethearts-for-heartkids/
About childhood-onset heart disease
Childhood-onset heart disease is an umbrella term for lifelong heart conditions that begin from birth or during childhood. These conditions can impact people in many ways, often including early surgical interventions, fluctuating health, key developmental, educational, relational and occupational transitions, as well as ongoing uncertainty, medical decision-making, adversity and adjustment.
Key statistics:
- Eight babies are born each day with a heart condition.
- Four young lives are lost every week.
- Childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD) places a significant burden on an estimated 250,000 Australian children, teens and adults and a larger number of family members and carers (prevalence based on known incidence of CHD, AIHW, 2019), with an estimated 1,000,000 Australians touched by CoHD.
- The total economic burden associated with CoHD is estimated at $2.292 billion dollars per annum, including an approximate GDP loss of $12.89 million annually (Sapere, 2024).
- People with CoHD are at a greater risk of neurodevelopmental impairment and disability including developmental delay and other learning difficulties.
- CoHD poses a substantial economic burden on people impacted by the conditions, Australia’s healthcare system, educational institutions, the workforce and the broader economy.
About HeartKids
HeartKids is the only Australian charity dedicated to providing lifelong support, resources, and advocacy for the 250,000 people impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD). HeartKids provide connection and care informed by lived-experience to ensure no one faces this journey alone.
For nearly 50 years, HeartKids has been dedicated to providing advocacy, support and information, working to reach every Australian family impacted by childhood-onset heart disease (CoHD).
For more information please visit https://www.heartkids.org.au/
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For media enquiries on behalf of HeartKids, please contact
Progressive PR & Communications
03 9696 6417
Darren Saffin / Jodie Artis
0411 089 209 / 0414 699 186
darren@progressivepr.com.au / jodie@progressivepr.com.au
