Women and Infants Research Foundation (WIRF) is one of Australia’s leading organisations that is dedicated to improving the health of women and infants. WIRF is an independent research institution and charity based at King Edward Memorial Hospital (KEMH). WA Charity Direct has had a long association with WIRF by supporting projects that do not receive any government funding.
In 2014, WA Charity Direct proudly provided funds for WIRF to finalise the purchase of a JET Ventilator. The JET Ventilator breathes small ‘angel breaths’ into a babies lung using a higher frequency than a traditional ventilator ensuring less risk of lung damage.
WIRF had been fundraising for this life saving piece of equipment and WA Charity Direct were pleased to fund the shortfall. This latest purchase for KEMH will increase the number of JET Ventilators to 3, which will go a long way in helping the high number of premature babies cared for in the Special Care Baby Unit.
WA Charity Direct’s support of WIRF also included the Emergency Relief Fund in 2016. Women who experience serious health issues whilst pregnant can urgently find themselves in KEMH requiring help for either themselves or their sick newborn.
The Emergency Relief Fund supports disadvantaged families by helping to alleviate some of the financial burdens experienced in being away from home. The fund helps by providing short term accommodation allowing families to be together in a time of crisis, assistance with travel costs, food and urgent baby clothing and equipment.
Most recently WA Charity Direct’s support of WIRF continued with provision of the Women’s Care Packages for the KEMH’s Social Work clients in crisis. The Care Packages consist of essential clothing, underwear & toiletries. Over a two-year period, WA Charity Direct funded in excess of 600 Care Packages.
A recent message of gratitude from WIRF:
With COVID-19, reaching out to our Social Work clients has increasingly become difficult.
With WA Charity Direct’s funding support we are able to provide the much-needed Care Packages.
We are sincerely grateful that we can continue our work in caring for Women in crisis.’
