AU – SIDS and Kids Day
In Australia each year over 3,500 families experience the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or child, either through stillbirth or during the first month of life, from sudden unexpected death in infancy (SIDS or fatal sleeping accidents), SUDC (sudden unexpected death in childhood) or accident. In June many came from far and wide to the memorial services held around Australia to support the SIDS and Kids organisation, who are dedicated to saving the lives of babies and children during pregnancy, birth, infancy and childhood and supporting bereaved families.
The purpose of the day called ‘Red Nose Day’ was to remember lost loved ones and provide ongoing support for those bereaved, this event is held annually on the last Friday in June, and is the major fundraiser for SIDS and Kids. The first Red Nose Day was held in Victoria in 1987.
SIDS and Kids is a member of both the International Society for the study and Prevention of Perinatal and Infant Death (ISPID) and the International Stillbirth Alliance (ISA). Through these memberships we maintain strong relationships with international researchers and research centres. Since 1988 SIDS and Kids has contributed over $16.5 million to research into the possible causes and prevention of infant death, SIDS, stillbirth and health promotion.
An enthusiastic team of 8 RRT personnel served light refreshments to approximately 100 attendees at the SIDS and Kids Memorial Service in Sydney, held at the University of Tasmania’s Rozelle Campus. It was great to be involved in being able to help provide support to the many families who had suffered the loss of loved ones, at an event which was very emotional for those affected.
Supported by a good canteen and RRT’s fully-stocked trailer at the venue, a variety of ham and cheese-filled croissants, sausage rolls, mini pies, vegetarian frittatas, cakes, and several fruit platters were served, along with hot and cold drinks. It was really heartening to engage with these families and witness their expressions of sincere appreciation for the catering.
The SIDS and Kids team led by Janet Grima and Jo Dwyer were great to work with on this event, and we consider it a privilege to be included in an event that reached out to those in our community who need our compassion and support.
On the 26th of June another event was held at the St Michaels Church in Melbourne by the SIDS and Kids organisation. A team of 12 RRT personnel were included in this event –serving up to 300 meals at lunch, along with drinks throughout the afternoon. The meal of Croissants filled with ham and cheese, party pies, sausage rolls, cakes, fruit along with hot and cold drinks was very much appreciated by those of the community and the RRT look forward to helping again in the future.
Having been involved with this worthy cause, we trust that SIDS and Kids continues to be supported for their excellent work in the community which to date has helped reduced the mortality rate for infants by 80% – we look forward to the opportunity of working with them again!
