Emma’s Warriors will gift 70 care kits to help bring smiles to the faces of sick children, thanks to a donation of over $22,000 thanks to employees from Newcastle Permanent.
The Hunter-based charity was established by Lake Macquarie’s 13-year-old Emma Walsh after being diagnosed with Leukemia in 2022.
“I started Emma’s Warriors to help make life a bit easier for tweens and teenagers with serious illnesses facing long hospital stays by providing dedicated care kits,” she said.
“I got the idea while I was spending lots of time in hospital with my Leukemia. I found that with a few essentials, I felt much more comfortable and at ease so I could focus on getting better.
“I have designed our care kits to include all the things that helped me most during my stays. These are items that I believe can really make a difference in providing comfort to other teens at a time that is scary and stressful.”
“I am so grateful to the people at Newcastle Permanent for this generous donation, which will go such a long way in helping me support other kids and teenagers.”
Valued at $300, the kit comes in a backpack with an Amazon fire stick, Yeti cup, white noise machine, bath towel, bed sheets, lip balm, fairy lights, room spray, an Uber Eats gift card and moisturiser.
Walsh says this is just the beginning for Emma’s Warriors, inspired now to design a kit for siblings of sick children while looking to grow her network.
“We are currently supplying the kits through the John Hunter Hospital and to families who contact us directly, but we hope to expand into the Calvary Mater Newcastle to support more teenagers, and then our goal is to reach Maitland and the Central Coast,” Emma said.
“It’s only because of my experience that I am able to help others, and I hope my kits bring a smile to another young person’s face during a tough time.”
Each year, Newcastle Permanent employees donate around $50,000 via payroll deductions and nominate charities for causes important to them. Employees then vote to select four charities each year to receive funding.
Newcastle Permanent Customer Relations Specialist Kate Steele said Emma’s Warriors was handpicked by her colleagues to receive the donation.
“I first heard about Emma’s Warriors through my friend and was instantly inspired by their work. I knew this donation would provide Emma with the funding and belief to continue her work in inspiring other teens just like her,” Kate said.
“I was so excited to make the call to Emma’s Warriors to tell them about our donation! It was wonderful to hear that our funds will cover the cost of 70 backpacks, which I know will have a meaningful impact out in the community.”
IMAGE | Emma Walsh and Kate Steele