Geelong Homes is thrilled to announce the sale of our charity home for River’s Gift which has raised more than $110,000 for genetic sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) research at the University of South Australia (UniSA).
SIDS is a devastating and unexplained phenomenon that claims the lives of thousands of infants each year worldwide. River’s Gift was founded by Karl Waddell and Alex Hamilton in memory of their four-month-old son River, who died from SIDS in 2011.
Karl Waddell from River’s Gift said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Geelong Homes for their unwavering support and their commitment to our cause. This is their second pledge to build a home for our cause, with all proceeds helping us drive our mission of Stamping Out SIDS. Geelong Homes are everything we could ever wish for in a corporate and community supporter.”
Funds from the sale of the home will contribute to UniSA’s state-of-the-art genetic biobank, which could hold the key to preventing SIDS, potentially saving the lives of thousands of babies who die from the devastating condition each year across the globe.
The biobank comprises DNA from 25 babies who have died from SIDS, with the view to develop it significantly, with further funding and support. The SIDS biobank, and its associated genetic studies, is the only co-ordinated project of its kind across the globe.
River’s Gift has a strong partnership with UniSA in the establishment and continued development of the biobank.
Professor Leanne Dibbens says the genetic biobank will enable DNA analysis from SIDS babies to look for genetic causes of SIDS. “By finding these, we will be able to test babies at birth to identify those who are at risk, with these babies being closely monitored in their first year of life,” she adds.
River’s Gift is Australia’s largest SIDS-specific organisation, fundraising and advocating to help find a preventative cure for SIDS. It is dedicated to ensuring that every dollar received is maximised to bring about meaningful change in SIDS research, education and advocacy.
We couldn’t have achieved this result without the generous support from our suppliers and subbies. Thank you to: Gyprock, MB Pre-Fab, Southern Star Group of Companies, Laminex, Floorworld Geelong, Barwon Timber, Colorbond, Caroma, KRock, Hume Doors, Stegbar, Molloys Plastering, James Hardie, Artusi, Haymes Paint, Geelong Group Services, Chromagen, Hardings, Braemar, PGH Bricks, Clipsal, Volare, Gainsborough, Coastal Bin Hire, Times Group, RMG Signs, TLC Concreting and Earth Works, S Gill Constructions, Roofteck Plumbing, Kyle Garra and Ivan Trupkovic, Barry Medews, Ian Jennings, Consolidated Energy, JTE Carpentry, Coast Scaffolding.
