HeartKids and Drakes Supermarkets introduce Scholarship Program

Through the donations received by Drakes Supermarkets during the Hero for HeartKids campaign, the HeartKids / Drakes Supermarket Scholarship Program has launched to support children with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) in South Australia and Queensland in further developing their skills or talents.

Over 3,000 babies are born with a CHD each year across Australia. It is the most common birth abnormality, affecting one in every 100 babies and is a leading cause of infant death in Australia. There is no known cure, but thanks to medical advances there are over 45,000 adults who have lived with a heart condition since childhood.

“The HeartKids / Drakes Supermarkets Scholarship Program will provide opportunity for children and teens with a congenital heart defect, who have been disadvantaged by long periods of hospitalisation, multiple surgeries or the ongoing effects of their heart defect, to pursue their passions and fulfil their potential,” HeartKids South Australia state manager, Tania Potts said.

“We are honoured to partner with Drakes Supermarkets. The partnership between HeartKids and Drakes Supermarkets has raised over $500,000, in just four years, helping thousands of local families affected by CHD across South Australia and Queensland.”

Individual scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000 (up to an annual total of $40,000) in the skills areas of the arts, sport, education, science and/or business with applications accepted for children between 10 to 24 who have experienced congenital, or childhood acquired heart disease across South Australia and Queensland.

Scholarship recipients will be announced late July 2022.