Help raise funds to support children's heart research at Murdoch Children's Research Institute by buying a heart token during the BIG W Toy Sale.
BIG W has been a steadfast supporter of MCRI's heart research for the past 20 years, and together with their customers, they have raised $2.8 million towards our efforts to help find better treatments.
This year BIG W encourages Australians to 'buy a heart to help protect a heart' in the BIG W Toy Sale. Customers can visit any BIG W store to buy one of 17 Heart Token donation cards before 12 July, designed by children currently undergoing treatment in hospitals, for $2 at the checkout.
MCRI Heart Group Leader Dr Michael Cheung said, "By supporting this fundraising campaign, BIG W customers will be directly contributing to MCRI's relentless pursuit to give all children the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life."
Customers are also encouraged to write their name on a token and add it to the Big Heart Wall in store, as a show of love and support for children undergoing treatment in hospitals and their families.
A special highlight of this year's campaign is a Heart Token designed by nine-year-old Charlotte Reindler (pictured with Emma and Bas). Charlotte was born with multiple heart defects, requiring numerous hospital admissions. But thanks to advancements in medical care, she underwent a minimally invasive heart procedure which spared her from open-heart surgery.
Today, Charlotte's experience is part of a national registry led by MCRI, aimed at understanding the outcomes and impact of major heart conditions on patients and their families across Australia.
Charlotte's artwork, which is available in BIG W's Victorian and Tasmanian stores, is one of 17 Heart Token designs. Filled with bright colours, it's a celebration of her love for nature and reflects her joyous spirit and resilience.
Her father Karl said, "Thanks to the work of MCRI and The Royal Children's Hospital, Charlotte has been able to do things that she previously never would have been able to. Prior to her surgeries, she would get quite puffed when running, but she is much more resilient now and really loves being outdoors playing.
"It's a joy to see her do the things she loves and to be able to share that with the nation through her heart artwork. Charlotte was so happy to create her heart artwork knowing it would help others with heart conditions just like her."
BIG W Managing Director Dan Hake said, "BIG W has been proud to partner with MCRI for two decades, supporting its important research programs that help children and families in Victoria and Tasmania and across the country.
"Our store teams have always supported our fundraising efforts but seeing the drawings from kids in this toy sale and hearing their stories of how this fundraising helps, makes it particularly important and close to our hearts.
"We want our customers to know that even a simple $2 donation can help to make a big difference for families, and BIG W will be matching donations up to $100,000. A donation doesn't just help raise money, it also spreads love by providing happiness, support, and hope for families in hospitals."
