By Craig Zammit
SYDNEY: Dyson, Harvey Norman, Clive Peeters and Rick Hart, in association with the Asthma Foundations of Australia, have announced co-funding for a new booklet which will target early school-age children and help them understand asthma and learn how to control it.
With asthma listed as the number one reason for kid’s visits to the hospital emergency room and subsequently for school absenteeism, the new book, entitled My Asthma, will look to educate kids and hence limit such statistics.
“We’re thrilled with the support our retailers are giving the Asthma Foundations of Australia through this campaign,” said Dyson SEA, managing director, Ross Cameron.
“The additional funds contributed allow for important education and awareness initiatives like My Asthma.”
During August and September, Dyson will once again running its $5 fundraising campaign, which has seen Dyson, together with the Asthma Foundations of Australia and retailers work together to raise over $1.5 million dollars.
While, for the fifth year running, Harvey Norman will provide additional funds to the campaign, with Clive Peeters and Rick Hart also jumping on board to contribute to the campaign for the first time.
“It’s important for kids with asthma to realise they are no different to every other kid. They can still play, get involved in sport, and do everything their friends can do; when they have an asthma management plan in place,” says Asthma Foundations of Australia (AFA) CEO, Robin Ould.
“Dyson’s contribution will provide the AFA with the much needed means to support its educational programs specifically related to children. By providing greater education on asthma management, we hope to aid in reducing the number of kids being hospitalized each year.”
Former Olympic athlete, Dr Lee Naylor, an asthma sufferer herself, has teamed up with the foundations and Dyson to promote the importance of teaching kids how to manage their asthma. Her experience as a mum, has made her value the importance of early education, and believes tools like My Asthma are an easy way to get young people with asthma started.
“If managing asthma is learned at a really young age, it simply becomes a very normal part of your day-to-day routine,” she said.
“Education tools like My Asthma allow parents to introduce the idea of asthma and asthma management in a way that kids can both relate to and get involved with.”