Woolworths strive to raise $50,000 for Kiwi babies in intensive care this May

The birth of a baby should be a joyous moment in life, yet for the families of the 5,000+ babies born each year in Aotearoa, this can also bring an emotional and financial strain to an otherwise beautiful moment.

The Little Miracles Trust has long been on the frontline helping whānau as they navigate the practical and psychological toll of caring for a premature or sick baby, from the neonatal unit to life at home. To support their vital mahi, Woolworths New Zealand and its partners are getting behind the cause with a national fundraising appeal during the month of May. 

Customers can do their bit simply by doing their regular shop of baby or infant care products at Woolworths, with a donation of 5 cents from the sale of every infant product going straight to support those families in need, providing essential help when they need it the most.

From baby wipes to infant food, milk powder and nappies, every little bit helps, and there are plenty of other ways generous Kiwis can support the cause. Newmarket Woolworths will be home to a decommissioned incubator where cash donations can be places, or you donate direclty to the little miracles trust via their website. With a lofty goal to raise $50,000, Woolworths have kick-started the fundraising efforts with a $20,000 cash donation.

 The Little Miracles Trust spokesperson Jadey Drury, whose son was born at just 28 weeks and spent 83 days in hospital, says the generous donations will make a huge difference to the not-for-profit's nationwide cot-side support. 

"We see the immense strain that whānau go through when their pēpi needs neonatal care – it's emotionally overwhelming and financially draining. The Family Assistance Fund exists to ease that burden, whether it’s helping with emergency kai deliveries to hospital wards or homes, transport for families suddenly transferred between cities or urgent financial support," says the National Service Delivery Manager. 

“This contribution means we can be there for hundreds of families during one of the most challenging times of their lives. We truly rely on the generosity of others to keep this support going.” 

Woolworths New Zealand’s Director of Brand, Bríd Drohan-Stewart, says their partnership with Little Miracles, which began in 2024, was sparked by a deep appreciation for the Trust’s tireless work. 

“We’re proud to stand alongside the Little Miracles Trust and give our customers a meaningful way to make a difference. The Little Miracles team is right there when new families need it most, easing those everyday pressures that can feel so overwhelming when caring for a baby in intensive care. With thanks to our generous partners and their support, this is our collective way of showing up and giving back to some of Aotearoa New Zealand's most vulnerable." 

Thanks to Woolworths' support, in 2024 The Little Miracles Trust delivered over 6000 hours of cot-side peer support and distributed more than 650 food and fuel vouchers to families in intensive care. 

Head in to Newmarket Woolworths in May to purchase your baby or infant care products, donate to an incredible cause, or visit the Little Miracles Trust website.

Woolworths Newmarket
Level 2, Westfield Broadway