Support Kiwi children in need through the Starship Foundation’s Christmas campaign

Whether you’re a Kiwi living offshore or based in Aotearoa, we are giving our Kea community the opportunity to help make a difference. Donate to give the gift of a brighter future for New Zealand’s children this Christmas.

Christmas is about the priceless little moments: Laughter, sharing, and fun in the sun with family. We can take the little moments for granted, but for many Starship families, those moments are more precious than any present. 

“Around 180 children will spend Christmas in Starship this year, including around 50 fragile little New Zealanders in Starship’s Paediatric and Newborn Intensive Care Units. After everything 2020 has already thrown at us, that’s a tough place to be,” says Aisha Daji Punga, Chief Executive of the Starship Foundation. 

“We’re encouraging people to give the gift of compassion this Christmas in the spirit of kindness and community. If most Starship families had a Christmas wish, it would be to have their child home for Christmas with better health. By donating at www.starshipchristmas.org.nz, you’re giving them the chance for more happy Christmases to come.” 

The Dixon family from Hamilton, who are one of many throughout New Zealand who know just how precious it is to be preparing for the festive season at home this year, have shared their story in this video. Their youngest child Poppy spent 237 days in Starship’s Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) including Christmas Day 2016. 

Mum Estelle Dixon explains – “She stopped feeding at around ten weeks, and we thought ‘this is not right’. The nurse looked at her and asked; ‘is she usually that grey?’ They airlifted us to Starship the next day. They basically told us that her heart is not doing what it’s supposed to, and you’re here for a long haul.” 

Now four and a half Poppy will be home this Christmas with her Mum, Dad and siblings Lily-Rose and Jack. Her parents are truly grateful, for the family-centred care they received at Starship, and to have Poppy home for Christmas. 

“To be at home this Christmas means that our family gets to celebrate together in a way that we couldn’t early on,” says Estelle.

Dad Nathan adds; “What I’m looking forward to most is just seeing them be happy again and seeing them play together. The family is whole, we’re all happy and it’s awesome.”  

The Starship Foundation invests in initiatives that save and improve lives, and make the tough times more bearable for children and whānau from around New Zealand. And by investing in prevention programmes the Foundation also helps keep Kiwi children out of hospital. 

The ‘Home for Christmas’ campaign helps supporters understand how their gift of compassion can make a real difference for Starship children;  

Get involved and help make a difference for Kiwi kids and donate from wherever you are in the world.