Treat yourself for a good cause this winter with the annual Bake for Babies sale that supports the work of the Newborn Intensive Care Foundation (NICF).
The annual fundraising campaign raises funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Canberra Hospital, and is going virtual again in 2021 after a successful online sale last year.
This year, the NICF are hoping to raise $38,000 to purchase two pieces of equipment for the NICU: a cooling blanket to lower the risk of brain injury for babies experiencing a lack of oxygen and blood flow to the brain, and a phototherapy blanket for babies born with jaundice.
“These incredible and beautiful pieces of equipment minimise the risk of brain damage in sick and premature babies, making them a must-have addition to our NICU in Canberra,” says NICF Bake for Babies coordinator, Tina Martinovic.
“Unlike traditional phototherapy treatments where the baby is separated from mum for long periods, the phototherapy blanket means there can be physical contact while the baby is undergoing essential light treatment.
“Babies who do not cry and breathe at birth may develop a brain injury due to the lack of oxygen from the lack of blood flow to the brain. The cooling blanket lowers this risk,” says Tina, whose son Kristijan spent time in the NICU after he was born at 27 weeks in 2016.
“We are incredibly blessed and grateful to the NICU and having access to vital medical equipment.
“But I also know that resources are stretched, with not enough of the latest equipment available for the increasing population and number of sick and premature babies admitted to the Canberra Hospital NICU each year.”
Talented bakers from around the Territory will be donating sweet treats for the sale, available for collection or delivery on Saturday 31 July and Sunday 1 August.
“There is something for everyone – fondant sugar cookies, vouchers, cupcakes, dessert boxes – so spoil yourself with delectable treats,” says Tina.
“And remember, calories don’t count when it’s for a good cause!”
Order online or donate at nicfbakeforbabies.bigcartel.com
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