Community shines blue to support River’s Gift

THE Greater Geelong community has helped to raise over $38,000 for Australia’s leading Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) research funding charity Rivers Gift.

The organisation’s Shine Blue annual giving day was held on November 7 to commemorate the passing of Geelong-born-baby River Waddell to SIDS.

Locals wore transferrable tattoos of River’s Gifts logo – a sky blue heart on the day to help raise awareness and funds for the charity.

Three schools, six daycare centres, two sporting clubs, two major hospitals and over fifty businesses were involved, with more than 6,000 tattoos being distributed.

Chilwell Primary School raised more than $1,300 on the annual giving day by selling blue iced donuts and tattoos.

The 400 donuts were kindly donated by Sunbakers Co in Barwon Heads.

River’s father and operations manager of River’s Gift, Karl Waddell, said he was thrilled with the $38,000 fundraising achievement.

“The heart on the hand tattoos shone such a great light and new perspective on this year’s campaign, children and adults just loved them.

“They provided great elements of fun and were such a great little tool to build awareness and encourage conversations around SIDS.

“We feel like we’ve landed on a concept that we can really build on for 2024, right across the country.”

River’s Gift co-founder and River’s mother, Alexandra Hamilton, said she was overwhelmed by the level of community support for Shine Blue.

“Seeing so many pics of community wearing the heart on their hand was just so special.

“River was with us for only 128 days. Such a short life, but he’s left a legacy that is making such an impact on the lives of others.”

River’s Gift was also recently the beneficiary of $110,000 thanks to the sale of the ‘Pledge’ Charity Home, built by Geelong Homes.

The funds from the home will be dedicated to genetic SIDS research at the University of South Australia.

To donate to River’s Gift, head to riversgift.org