Wearing Green to Raise Awareness of Premature Birth

March 15, 2016 - PRLog -- The annual 'Wear Green for Premmies' day, an event hosted by the L'il Aussie Prems Foundation is celebrating their sixth year raising awareness of premature birth in the community. Organisers are looking forward to once again repeating the success of the past five years on Wednesday, 13^th April 2016.

Over 26,000 Aussie babies are born prematurely each year (before 37 completed weeks of gestation). The 'Wear Green for Premmies' campaign is a day where thousands of people wear green to show their support. The day raises awareness of premature birth whilst highlighting the trials and hardships that families face after an early arrival. Over the past five years, the event has seen thousands of families joining in the celebration by posting photos on the charity's Facebook page to show a sea of green all in support of babies born too soon. Each year, thousands participate on the day including hospitals, businesses, friends, family and strangers all unite to join the celebration.

L'il Aussie Prems Foundation's President Ms Shannon Zimmerle said, this event is crucial to raising awareness and starting dialogues about premature birth.

"The support we have received for Wear Green for Prems Day in the past five years has been sincerely touching. Most Australians know of someone who has been affected by premature birth and recognize the struggles these families face for many months after. Green for Prems Day is our foundations opportunity to promote awareness, education and support for these families." she said.

The event continues to make an impact by enabling the charity to donate equipment to nurseries each year. Over $20,000 has now been donated from part of the proceeds raised since their first event in 2011. The charity will once again support four new nurseries as chosen by their community. Mater Hospital Rockhampton, St Vincent's Private Hospital, John Hunter Hospital and Women's and Children's Hospital will be the beneficiaries of such support this year.

Participants do not have to attend a physical event, and are invited to join the charity's Facebook page, encourage family, friends and work colleagues to simply wear green, share their story, purchase a wristband and fundraise online to help raise these vital funds. The funds raised will enable the charity to continue their important work, to expand on their family focused programs and donate vital equipment to the four chosen hospitals.

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For photo opportunities with families in your state or for further information about the event:

Shannon Zimmerle (President)

Bec Waterhouse (Marketing Manager)

1300 887 875 I www.lilaussieprems.org.au