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Garden Party Raises Over $140,000 for Lifesaving Neonatal Incubators
A beautiful Fendalton garden was the setting for an extraordinary evening of generosity and community spirit as 180 guests gathered to support the New Zealand Flying Doctor, and specifically the safe transport of premature and critically ill newborns.
Hosted by the New Zealand Flying Doctor Trust, the Charity Garden Party raised an incredible $140,000 to help fund the purchase of two advanced neonatal transport incubators, with a total project cost of $1.2 million.
Against the backdrop of a stunning garden and live entertainment, guests enjoyed fine food, inspiring stories, and the thrill of live and silent auctions featuring exclusive experiences and luxury items. Thanks to ticket sales, sponsorships, raffles, and auction proceeds, the evening surpassed all expectations.
Why Incubators Matter
Transport incubators are essential for safely transferring vulnerable newborns to neonatal intensive care units. These new incubators will enable flight crews and medical teams to maintain optimal care during air transfers, improving outcomes for the most fragile patients.
“We are incredibly humbled by the generosity of our guests and sponsors,” said Christine Prince, CEO of the NZ Flying Doctor Trust. “These funds will directly impact the lives of fragile newborns, giving them the best possible chance at survival during emergency transfers.”
Guests had the opportunity to meet pilots and medical teams, and hear firsthand how neonatal transfers are managed by the service. It was a powerful reminder of the 24/7 work carried out by the New Zealand Flying Doctor team, which completed nearly 1,400 missions last year, an 8% increase from the previous year.
Trustee Cilla Glasson noted, “Many people don’t realise the NZ Flying Doctor Service operates as a mobile intensive care unit. Events like the Garden Party not only raise essential funds, they help raise awareness of the vital work being done across our region.”
Thank you
This incredible evening would not have been possible without the support of our sponsors. Special thanks to our event sponsors Canterbury Orthopaedic Services, St George’s Hospital, and RD Petroleum.
Thank you to everyone who supported the Garden Party, we look forward to sharing more milestones with you soon.
