By Aaron Cordy
OFTEN, families who have a premature or a sick baby from a regional area get airlifted to Melbourne or another hospital to have their baby, with little or no warning. It’s a scary time for expecting mums who can land at the emergency department with just the clothes on their backs and little in the way of support.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
Life’s Little Treasures Foundation (LLTF) provides crucial information, community connection and support to families facing the life-changing experience of having a premature or sick baby. Partnering with the Furphy Foundry to make up Regional Family Support Packs for regional premmie families.
“We’re creating support packs for mums so that when they (premmie mums) get to the other end, apart from just having the clothes they’re wearing, they’ve got a few necessities to get them through the first few days,” said CEO of LLTF Felicia Welstead.
“Things like a toothbrush and toothpaste, some moisturiser and some little things for the baby, just to let them know that there’s a community out there that cares about them and what they’re going through.”
This year will be the 17th year LLTF holds its Walk for Prems fundraising event. With nine locations across Australia in October, including Victoria Park Lake, Shepparton on Saturday, October 3, from 9am.
“Furphy’s have come on board as a sponsor of our Walk for Prems event. As part of their sponsorship contribution, we’ve been able to provide these packs to families as well,” said Felicia.
“Each year, 1 in 7 newborn babies require life-saving care in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit or Special Care Nursery, and as the cost-of-living increases, it is growing substantially more difficult for parents to tackle the heavy financial demands of having a baby in a neonatal unit.”
You can register yourself, a team, sponsor a friend for the walk, or donate a visit at https://walk-for-prems-2026.raiselysite.com/shepparton. Each registrant receives a race bib and a 2026 Walk Medal. Merchandise such as T-shirts, branded shoelaces and drink bottles will be available for purchase online and on the day.
