BRAVE little Ellie Collins from Abbeyfeale is the face of the Tesco fundraising drive for Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street after her equally brave mother, Jackie, donated one of her kidneys to Ellie.
Five-year-old Ellie, who has suffered kidney problems since birth, is fronting the Ellie the Elephant campaign which encourages customers to buy a teddy bear in Tesco stores for €5.
Earlier this year, Tesco ran a competition for the children attending CHI at Temple Street to enter for the chance to name the Christmas teddy bear and Ellie won.
Ellie visits the children’s hospital once a week, and she named the bear after herself.
When Ellie was born, she suffered kidney failure and has been on regular dialysis since she was eight months old.
In June this year, her mother, Jackie, donated one of her kidneys to Ellie. The operation was a success and Ellie can now join in activities like swimming and Irish dancing, which she couldn’t do before.
Tesco Communications Director, Rosemary Garth said it was a privilege to introduce Ellie the Elephant to customers this Christmas.
“Each year, we are truly inspired by the incredible work of the team in CHI at Temple Street, who do fantastic work for children 365 days a year.
“We’re very proud to see the impact the generous donations from our customers and colleagues make for the hospital. This year, we’re asking customers to continue their amazing support by purchasing an Ellie the Elephant in Tesco stores nationwide this Christmas.”
Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Executive, Children’s Health Foundation said: “Every Christmas, our wonderful friends at Tesco Ireland go above and beyond for sick children in CHI at Temple Street, and we are thrilled and so grateful for the fantastic Ellie the Elephant fundraiser this festive season.
“Tesco has made a hugely positive impact on the lives of sick children in CHI at Temple Street. Over the past seven years, Tesco colleagues and customers have raised vital funds to purchase a wide range of essential and life-saving equipment in the hospital. CHI at Temple Street is a hospital that never sleeps and this Christmas we need your support more than ever.”
Tesco has raised €6.5 million for Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street and has suppoted them since the partnership began in 2014.
This has helped the hospital purchase over 330 pieces of vital equipment for patients – including a CT Scanner, EEG system, ultrasound scanners, patient monitors and respiratory equipment.
