Shine Blue for SIDS

AUSTRALIA’s leading SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) charity River’s Gift is encouraging schools, business and the community to “Shine Blue” on November 7.

The River’s Gift Shine Blue annual giving appeal will mark the 13th anniversary of the passing of four-month-old baby River Waddell to SIDS.

The campaign will aim to shine a light on SIDS and raise vital funds for the continued development of a biobank and genetic research at the University of South Australia.

Community members will again be recommended to wear a transferrable ‘sky blue heart’ on their hand to support the cause.

Tattoos are provided to schools at no cost, with a gold coin donation fundraising model encouraged.

Businesses and community members can seek a series of sponsorship packages of their own to get behind the initiatve.

River’s Gift co-founder and River’s mother, Alexandra Hamilton, said she hoped the community could rally for River.

“River was with us for only 128 days…such a short life, but he’s left a legacy that is impacting the lives of others. I don’t want any other mother to have to wake to this nightmare; this is River’s gift to the world.

“By community coming together with us on November 7 and Shining Blue, it’ll make such a profound impact.”

River’s father Karl Waddell echoed his wife’s sentiment.

“For nearly 13 years, we’ve been searching for answers as to why our healthy and safely slept son lost his life. Genetic research could hold the key to the puzzle and save future lives.”

To learn more about Shine Blue and ways to get involved, head to riversgift.org