That’s a wrap world prematurity day 2020

Each year we work hard to shine a light on the 15 million babies born too soon globally and bring the challenges they face to the forefront of government, health care providers, and the broader communities thoughts.  It’s an opportunity for our families to celebrate and honour their journeys.

Whilst our annual Family Fun Day is a highlight it did not go ahead this year.  Bringing together a vulnerable group in the community with COVID19 on our minds... it was not a risk we were willing to take.

Working together with WIRF, The West, Channel 9 and two of our lovely families we were delighted to see a print article and news segment run.

Thanks to our Board Secretary Briana many locations lit the night sky purple including Broome Water Tower, Yagan Square, Mount St Bridge, Optus Stadium, Matagarup Bridge, Sky Ribbon, Graham Farmer Freeway Tunnel entrance, Perth Children’s Hospital, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Trafalgar Bridge, St John of God Mount Lawley, Busselton Civic Centre, Mandurah Bridge, SJOG Bunbury and ECU Joondalup.  Capturing the magic of these locations we thank volunteers Shannon, Sarah, Noel, Rowena, Nicky and Leisa.  Standing in Yagan Square, hearing the running water, bathed in purple light it was surreal!

St John of God Subiaco hosted a lovely morning tea in their Neonatal Unit lounge for current inpatients.  This was a lovely opportunity to chat with parents and staff about the services we provide to the hospital and community more broadly.

Our friends at Kalparrin collaborated to host morning tea at Perth Children’s Hospital for inpatients and those with outpatient appointments.  Some fascinating discussions were had.

We attended an important meeting with Telethon Kids Institute to discuss exciting plans for projects in 2021.  You’ll have to stay tuned for more information on this one! 

The avalanche of ‘then and now’ images we were tagged in or shared to our social channels was remarkable.  It’s truly inspirational to see just how far all these ‘tiny sparks’ have come.  ‘A mighty flame followeth a tiny spark’, could not be more accurate!

The theme this World Prematurity Day was ‘Together for babies born too soon - Caring for the future’.  This past week we celebrated our 7th Birthday, since inception we have understood just how important collaborative effort is.  We have strong relationships with likeminded organisations who all work together for the benefit of families and children.  We are run by volunteer WA families, for WA families and understand the unique challenges faced by those living rural and remote.

Thank you for supporting World Prematurity Day 2020!

#WorldPrematurityDay2020

#togetherforbabiesborntoosoon

#NeonatalNovember

Containers for Change

Recently the State Government launched the Containers for Change initiative to encourage recycling of single-use plastic and glass containers. We have registered to participate in this initiative which means that when you return your eligible containers you can choose to donate some or all of the proceeds to Tiny Sparks! Simply quote our Scheme ID: C10333945.

As a 100% volunteer-run organisation every dollar makes a difference to the lives of others. We truly appreciate your support!

Neonatal November Bingo!

Bingo! All year we have been hearing how this year is one like no other! COVID has certainly had an impact across all areas of life, our organisation included. With grant funds being increasingly competitive, cash donations dwindling and the cost of living going up we are making a few changes to ensure we remain sustainable and can continue to grow and support more families.

Each month we will be posting a Bingo, this is a list of items that you can purchase and donate, all of which will be distributed through our programs. We would love for you to complete a row, column or entire Bingo but even one item will go a long way to helping!! You can mail in your item/s or drop them off to one of our collection points. You could also purchase online and have it mailed directly to us. Send us a message if you need more info. We truly appreciate your support 🙌🏻💜

Morning tea with Kalparrin

For those who are currently in the Perth Children’s Hospital Neonatal Unit, or who happen to be visiting outpatients on World Prematurity Day, 17 November, we have organised morning tea with our friends at Kalparrin. Please feel to pop in for a bit of down time, a cuppa and some cake.

Urgent Survey Response Required

Research shows that 25-50% of school-aged children who were born very preterm have had at least one occurrence of wheeze, excessive cough and/or exercise limitation in the past 12 months. If you are the parent or carer of a child born very preterm, the Children’s Lung Health Team at Telethon Kids Institute would love to hear about your experiences in this quick poll! Just 3 yes/no questions to answer.

Your answers will help them understand what they should focus on to make things better for the preterm community.