Being told your precious child has a heart condition is the news no family wants to hear. But every week 12 children are diagnosed with a major childhood heart condition. More than 550 major heart surgeries are carried out on children in New Zealand annually.
Drinks company Pete’s Natural has come up with a refreshing way to support families going through this unimaginable stress. It is launching a special limited run Pink Lemonade in collaboration with Heart Kids NZ with $1 from each bottle sold going to the charity.
The lemonade – will get its distinctive pink colour – from Nelson-grown boysenberries.
Pete’s Natural is a family-owned company that makes lower-sugar, additive-free drinks at its solar-powered factory in Motueka.
Marleen Suy, aka Mrs Pete, says it approached Heart Kids after hearing its precious mascot Maia Bear was stolen earlier this year, and after discussions the pink lemonade collaboration was born. Working with Heart Kids NZ was an easy thing to do as they had similar values, Marleen says.
“As parents ourselves we know how precious the health of our children is. That’s one of the reasons we decided to create a much healthier drink option. We have always been committed to no nasties in our range. There are no chemical preservatives, and our drinks are made using freshly squeezed fruit. The Pink Lemonade product we are creating will be our classic lemonade but with a boysenberry twist.”
Marleen says the Pink Lemonade would be a limited run of 11,000 bottles, meaning there is the potential to raise $11,000 for Heart Kids NZ. Marleen says Heart Kids NZ families are going through what must be a hugely stressful time and she was excited that Pete’s could help support families even in a small way.
The special Pink Lemonade will be available online and at selected suppliers who choose to sell it.
Heart Kids NZ will also be supporting it and selling it at their events.
Heart Kids NZ walks alongside families providing support, encouragement, and hope throughout their hugely stressful and uncertain journey.
Communications adviser Laurel Ketel said having the support from Pete’s Natural means so much to Heart Kids NZ. “Knowing that we are working with a local New Zealand business whose values align with ours is extremely important to us. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness and funds for Heart Kids NZ through a partnership with Pete’s Natural. Every offer of help from local Kiwis means we can ensure we are able to provide our vital support services to all those impacted by a childhood heart condition, no matter where in Aotearoa they are. Pete’s Natural was an easy choice to collaborate with – their team feels like family to us, and we are so thankful for their support.”
