ROLL OUT THE PICNIC RUGS AND RAISE FUNDS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED
Picnic for Prems around Australia this Autumn
This Autumn, Life’s Little Treasures Foundation (LLTF) is launching its Picnic for Prems and asking Aussies to roll out their picnic blankets in support of babies born sick or premature. With over 48,000 babies beginning their journey in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) or special care nursery (SCN) each year, LLTF is calling for Australians to register to host a picnic to raise $30,000 for vulnerable families going through this stressful experience.
As Australia’s foremost charity dedicated to providing practical support, information, and assistance to families of babies born unwell or before 37 weeks gestation, LLTF’s Picnic for Prems - sponsored by long term partner Britax - will help raise awareness and vital funds for families affected.
To help spread the message, the foundation has enlisted Australian pâtissier and television presenter Adriano Zumbo, his reality star wife Nelly Riggio, and their baby, Maximus – who was born premature – as the Picnic for Prems’ Ambassador Family.
“Maximus was born premature which was unexpected and stressful. Worrying about his health, leaving our baby in hospital, and going home to an empty nursery was extremely difficult as new parents. We know too well how important it is for families going through a similar experience to feel supported on their journey which is why we are thrilled to be Picnic for Prems Ambassador Family,” said Adriano and Nelly.
CEO of Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, Felicia Welstead, says “Having a premmie baby is often a life-changing experience which can take an emotional, psychological, and even a financial toll on families. That’s why we’re asking people to roll out their picnic blanket and put on a spread for their family, friends, or employees – all in an effort to raise awareness and funds for families in need.”
“It is exciting to have an Ambassador family like the Zumbo’s onboard to help us raise awareness around Picnic for Prems while also highlighting the many struggles that families with a premature or sick baby go through both in hospital and when they finally take their little treasure home”.
Nelly Riggio said “Picnic for Prems is a great way to bring people together and make a meaningful difference by helping Life’s Little Treasures Foundation continue to support families in various ways – whether it be through providing information guides, Little Treasure Welcome Packs, financial assistance or their NICU Connection events to ensure no family feels alone on their journey. Having a premature or sick baby can be an extremely isolating experience and that’s why we are so passionate about raising awareness around the important work this charity does in supporting so many families around Australia!”
All of the funds raised by Picnic for Prems in the first year will go towards ensuring the charity can continue printing comprehensive hospital guides for parents, hosting NICU Connections in-hospital morning teas as well as online peer support events throughout 2024/2025.
HOW TO REGISTER: Individuals, organisations and community groups can register to host a picnic at Picnic for Prems (raiselysite.com)
Each host then invites guests to take part in a picnic with each guest contributing to the fundraising total, it is that easy! The website is full of handy resources including invitations, posters, checklists, and recipes from Adriano Zumbo and Nelly to help participants plan their picnic and reach their fundraising goal.
DONATE: To make a donation to Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, visit www.lifeslittletreasures.org.au. All donations over $2 are tax deductible.
HOW LIFE’S LITTLE TREASURES HELPS FAMILIES:
In 2022/2023, Life’s Little Treasures Foundation provided:
- 192 families with financial assistance packages to the value of $250 per family
- information and resources to 149 hospitals, including 1556 Little Treasure Packs and over 2500 ‘Little Bag of Calm’ to distribute to new parents
- 4260 breakfast boxes with a fortnightly Brekkie Bar available in 8 hospitals around the country
- 124 sessions of our virtual ‘NICU Connections’ event facilitated by trained peer support volunteers; and
- 21,974 milestone gifts sent to families in celebration of Mother‘s Day, Father’s Day, Christmas etc.
By registering for Picnic for Prems or donating, you will be assisting Life’s Little Treasures Foundation in continuing to provide essential products and services to families in need throughout 2024/2025.
THE PICNIC FOR PREMS THANKS ITS EVENT PARTNER:
Major Sponsors: Britax
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For interviews, images and more information, please contact:
Jodie Artis
Progressive PR
03 9696 6417 or 0414 699 186