The Friends of the Emergency Department volunteer has been making distraction packs for children who come into the emergency department at Dunedin Public Hospital.
Last year, 1400 children received one of the packs.
But in order to keep this initiative going, Mrs Bates is now looking for a major sponsor.
''It's a win-win situation. Not only does the child get something, but the mother is often afraid, wound up, upset and anxious. This gives them something to focus on ... something to distract them while they are waiting. It makes a huge difference.
''I am constantly trying to fundraise to cover the costs involved with producing these packs,'' she said.
Every child that enters ED receives a pack. Five different packs are made up. Children aged up to 2 receive a book, bubbles and a teddy bear. Girls aged 2 to 5 receive an activity book, a butterfly mask, crayons, a toy or teddy, a notebook, stickers (if any) and bubbles. Boys aged 2 to 5 receive an activity book, a Spider-Man or Batman mask, a Hot Wheels car, crayons, bubbles and a notebook.
Packs are also made for visually impaired children and those aged 5 and above.
''The packs used to be made up by the children's ward play therapists. They were so busy and ED was so busy on the day I was working, so I went and started making the packs for them,'' she said.
With no stock and no money, Mrs Bates, who volunteers in the emergency department every Friday, decided to fundraise and started making the packs at home.
She enjoys seeing children's faces ''light up'' when they receive a pack.
''That is what I love. I like being busy and I like looking after the nurses and the hospital staff. I like helping and making a difference. That is the big thing.
''If something that is so small can make a difference in one person's life, then I am happy that Friday,'' she said.
Mrs Bates, who has been part of the Friends of the Emergency Department for nine and a-half years will receive her service badge at the end of the month.
''It's absolutely fantastic. I am so passionate about it,'' she said.
For more information and to make a donation call Christeen Bates on 489-8691 or email: chrisnbuster@xtra.co.nz
