Little Heroes Foundation Incorporated

The Little Heroes Foundation Incorporated is an Australian nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the physical and mental health of children in South Australia. Established with a mission to raise funds for essential medical equipment and services, the Foundation focuses on improving care for children suffering from serious or rare illnesses.

History and Mission

Founded by former Adelaide Football Club players, the Little Heroes Foundation has a long-standing commitment to children’s health, inspired by personal experiences with childhood illnesses. Over nearly three decades, the Foundation has contributed close to $40 million towards the acquisition of new equipment and the refurbishment of facilities at Adelaide’s Women’s and Children’s Hospital (WCH). This support has significantly enhanced the hospital’s capacity to provide advanced care to seriously ill children.

The Foundation’s mission is to fulfill the unmet needs of children facing physical or mental illnesses, ensuring access to the best available care regardless of the rarity or severity of their condition. The team behind the Foundation aims to be inclusive, inspirational, effective, and fun in their approach to fundraising and community engagement.

Key Initiatives

A primary focus of the Little Heroes Foundation is raising awareness and funds for Childhood Dementia, a devastating and under-researched disease that affects over 2,000 children in Australia. Childhood Dementia causes progressive loss of skills such as writing, reading, walking, and talking, ultimately leading to the loss of bodily functions and premature death. It results in approximately 90 deaths annually, a number comparable to childhood cancer fatalities.

In partnership with the South Australian government and Flinders University, the Foundation has raised over $500,000 dedicated to crucial research aimed at finding a cure for Childhood Dementia. This commitment underscores the Foundation’s role in addressing neglected pediatric diseases through funding and awareness campaigns.

Programs and Support

Beyond funding equipment and research, the Foundation offers direct support to families through its Little Heroes Care program. This initiative provides financial and practical assistance, including therapy, car parking subsidies, and cleaning services, helping families cope with the challenges of caring for seriously ill children.

Impact

The contributions of the Little Heroes Foundation have a meaningful impact on the health and well-being of South Australian children. Through continued fundraising efforts and innovative programs, the organization strives to ensure that every child with serious or rare illnesses receives the highest standard of care and support.

Recognition

The Foundation is recognized as a significant charitable entity within South Australia, noted for its effective partnerships with hospitals, universities, and government bodies to advance pediatric health initiatives.

Categories: Children’s charities in Australia | Health charities in Australia | Organisations based in Adelaide | Medical and health foundations

[1] https://www.littleheroesfoundation.com.au [2] https://www.littleheroesfoundation.com.au/our-story/ [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/e5095263-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/e5095263-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad24077/documents/7bfbdb06-43ea-ea11-a815-000d3ad1fbf8 [5] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Heroes_Foundation