Rather than reaching again for a bouquet of roses to mark Valentine’s Day, there’s another gift you can give that won’t wilt but lasts a lifetime. 

The only not-for-profit solely focused on supporting and advocating for all people impacted by childhood heart disease, HeartKids has launched a campaign that’s perfect for those feeling a bit cynical about the commercialism of Valentine’s Day and injecting meaning back into the occasion. 

Sweetheart Day

February 14 is not only Valentine’s Day, but Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Day, or as HeartKids has decided to call it: Sweetheart Day.

Congenital Heart Disease is the number one cause of death in children under the age of one, with a baby born every three hours with CHD in Australia.

Tragically, four children die from CHD every week.

While there’s no cure, HeartKids is committed to giving every child, teenager, and adult in Australia with CHD a fighting chance to live a long and fulfilling life. 

Making Valentine’s Day more meaningful

Donations to HeartKids Day fund research, hospital services, and support for bereaved families when they need it most.

When you donate on SweetHeart Day, you can choose to do so through an e-card to your own sweetheart that you can print or send digitally to your partner.

Along with your own personalised message, HeartKids proudly tells the recipient “This Valentine’s Day, your partner didn’t buy you an overpriced cuddly toy. They gave a gift that shows they truly care: a donation to kids born with congenital heart disease.”

Support HeartKids and really make an impact

Beyond February 14, you can make 2024 the year you and your partner donate regularly or even fundraise for HeartKids.

And you’ll know you’re part of something that makes an impact, with HeartKids having supported more than 1,400 families and taken more than 2,200 calls to its national support phone line in 2023 alone. 

There are so many children and families who have been supported by HeartKids, like Jack, who was diagnosed with two complex heart conditions shortly after his birth: hypoplastic left heart syndrome and coarctation of the aorta. 

Thanks to HeartKids, Jack and his family were supported through a seven-month hospital stay and then through the rest of their journey. HeartKids has provided food vouchers and thoughtful gifts and 24/7 access to a national support line to ensure Jack’s families always have a listening ear when they need it.

So remember: roses are red, violets are blue and changing lives starts with you.Donate today: https://www.sweetheartday.org.au/