A charity aimed at bringing a smile to the faces of seriously ill youngsters has received a $3000 boost from a New Zealand fashion designer.
Balclutha woman Rachel Jenkinson launched Operation Sugar in September 2012 after hearing about similar projects overseas. The charity gives custom-made birthday cakes to seriously ill or frequently hospitalised children.
This week, fashion designer Annah Stretton announced she would give Operation Sugar $3000 as part of a national campaign.
Mrs Jenkinson said 220 cakes had been made for sick children so far, with 800 volunteers signed up for the project.
''I can't believe how fast this has taken off. More and more people are applying.''
Bakers and photographers volunteer their time, but the charity still had administration and sundry costs.
''It is just so humbling that we were nominated by so many people and that we were considered worthy of the prize when up against so many amazing charities. The support Operation Sugar has received has been mind-blowing and we're excited to take Operation Sugar to the next level in the years ahead.''
Over the course of a 10-day campaign, more than 2000 nominations were submitted from individuals throughout New Zealand in a bid to secure their chosen charity a slice of a $30,000 gift pool in a campaign created and hosted by Ms Stretton.
''For me, 2014 is absolutely the year that `paying it forward' continues to be a strong part of my growth strategy and this campaign really is just the start. I was impressed by the work that this organisation is doing and I know that this monetary gift will go a long way in their good cause,'' Ms Stretton said in a statement.
The ''10 Days of Donations'' ran from December 14 and ended on Christmas Eve.
Operation Sugar also won the health and wellbeing section of last year's TrustPower Clutha Community Awards.
For more information about Operation Sugar visit www.operationsugar.org.nz
