WITH an ambitious aim to raise $10 million for kids’ health before Christmas, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) is calling on local Penrith households to switch on their Christmas lights in support of this year’s Lights for Kids campaign. 

Part of SCHF’s Christmas Appeal, Lights for Kids calls for local households, streets and businesses that decorate their homes with festive lights to register as a Lights for Kids display and collect donations to help ensure the best possible healthcare for all children, whenever and wherever they need it. 

Data released by SCHF shows that more than 144,500 people (43% of residents) in Penrith intend to decorate their homes with lights and/or outdoor decorations for Christmas this year, while 61% of locals, or 205,000 people, will actively seek out and visit decorated homes.  

“Each year thousands of children across our state find themselves in hospital over Christmas due to illness or injury, instead of being at home with their families and loved ones,” said Kate Ferguson, General Manager Engagement at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation. 

“The funds raised by Lights for Kids go directly to the frontline and future of children’s healthcare. From the hospital wards to the treatment rooms, research labs and regional outreach programs, these funds will work to deliver the brightest Christmas possible to sick kids.” 

“Penrith locals who aren’t decorating their homes this year can help show their support for families spending Christmas in hospital this year, by visiting their local Lights for Kids displays or donating online at www.lightsforkids.org.au” she added. 

SCHF is the exclusive charity partner of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Networks (SCHN), which is comprised of two major children’s hospitals (Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead), specialised care services (Bear Cottage and the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service [NETS]) and Kids Research.