Save a premature baby's life
Light a Lantern this Chinese New Year
and bring light, hope and good fortune to premature babies
1. Choose to make a donation now which will fund life-saving neonatal equipment
2. Choose to craft 88 lanterns from our Lantern Pack and fundraise for life-saving neonatal equipment
Help give premature babies a better chance of survival
Your Chinese New Year donation will help fund essential neonatal equipment such as humidicribs, ventilators, and resuscitation cots that can quite literally save the lives of sick and premature babies.
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Becoming a proud supporter like Kirk & Crystal is a powerful way to begin the Year of the Horse
“We are proud to support Running for Premature Babies. The dedication of those who give so generously to fund vital neonatal equipment and research truly inspires us. Knowing that every dollar raised directly translates into life‑changing support for premature babies and their families is why we will each Light a Lantern this Chinese New Year and donate to help save babies’ lives.”
Kirk & Crystal
The Running for Premature Babies Story
IN MEMORY OF HENRY, JASPER & EVAN SMITH
Running for Premature Babies was founded by Sophie Smith in 2007 after she and her late husband Ash lost all three of their prematurely born triplets. Henry was born at 21 weeks, too early for medical intervention to save him, and he lived for one precious hour. Jasper and Evan were born at 24 weeks. Huge efforts were made to save their lives but tragically they were unable to overcome their prematurity. Evan lived for ten days and Jasper, pictured here, lived for 58 days.
Running for Premature Babies has to date raised over $9 million, provided over 150 pieces of life saving neonatal equipment and helped save the lives of over 10,000 babies. The Premmie Marathon Challenge ensures Henry, Jasper & Evan’s legacy lives on.
CHOOSE TO MAKE 88 LANTERNS
We'll send you a lantern pack.
This Chinese New Year, you're invited to craft and light 88 lanterns in support of premature babies. Each is a symbol of health, protection and good fortune.
Register now, make a donation of at least $88 and we'll send you a Lantern Pack with everything you need to craft and decorate your 88 lanterns. You'll also receive a fundraising page to share with family and friends.
Your fundraising will give hope and support to families of premature babies facing their hardest moments.
One lantern at a time, together we can help give premature babies a better chance of survival.
HOW IT WORKS
Register
Click GET MY LANTERN PACK, provide your details and we'll send you a fundraising page. When this page hits at least $88, we'll send you a Lantern Pack containing everything you need to craft your 88 lanterns
Craft
Get your family and friends together and craft your 88 lanterns. String them together with the lights we'll provide
Fundraise
Share your page and story online to raise urgently needed funds for premature babies. Earn fundraising rewards at higher levels.
DO IT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Join a community of Compassion
Whether you choose to make a donation or to craft 88 lanterns, your actions are a simple and meaningful way to make a difference this Chinese New Year. They're even more powerful when shared with family, friends or colleagues.
You can name and personalise your fundraising page with your family or group name and photos. Then everyone can share this same page to their friends.
YOUR IMPACT
Why your support matters
Each year in Australia, more than 26,000 babies, one in every ten, are born too soon.
Many rely on specialised equipment and neonatal care to survive their earliest days.
Funds raised through Light a Lantern help provide:
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Life-saving neonatal equipment
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Critical support for NICUs nationwide
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Better outcomes for babies and families, wherever they live
Together, we can give premature babies the best possible start in life.
Your donation will help give premature babies a better chance of survival
Every family deserves the opportunity to to take their baby home, ready to thrive.
"Thank you Running for Premature Babies! Without your machines my daughter Charlotte would quite simply not have survived. "
Emilie Smith, mum to Charlotte born weighing 498g
"Our hospitals are in such great need of support, and I get to see first-hand the tangible difference Running for Premature Babies is making in our hospitals, through the life-saving equipment they provide."
Dr Tim Schindler, Neonatologist at the Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney
Please help , because your donation will help save babies' lives
Our girls, Lena (born at 25 weeks) and Tiana (born at 29 weeks), are both thriving thanks to the incredible technology in the NICU. Without it, their lives could have been very different. Please consider donating what you can to help save other babies born too soon.
To anyone going through a NICU journey right now, feeling lost with each setback—hold on to hope. One day, you’ll look back and smile at the strength you found during those hospital days with your little one. It may feel endless in the moment, but before you know it, it will be just a memory in the blink of an eye. Much love, The Tonkins
From a mum of a 33-weeker, it’s scary, it’s overwhelming, and it can feel like your newborn experience has been taken away. But in the end, it’s all worth it. The moment you finally get to take your healthy, strong baby home is the most rewarding experience of your life. My son, Jack, is now a happy, healthy 12-month-old!
FREQUENT QUESTIONS
Some of our most asked questions
How do I register?
You can receive your Lantern Pack by registering here.
If you’ve previously fundraised with Running for Premature Babies, simply log in using your existing details. If you’re new, you’ll be guided through creating an account, it only takes a few minutes.
Once you’re signed up, you’ll receive your own fundraising page. When this page hits at least $88 from fundraising or self-donations, we'll send your Lantern Pack in the mail.
What's the best way to fundraise?
The best way to begin is by uploading a photo and personalising your fundraising page. Share why lighting lanterns this Chinese New Year is meaningful to you, and what inspired you to take part.
You may like to make a self-donation yourself to get things started. Then share your fundraising page with friends, family and colleagues via email, text and social media. Don’t forget to tag us @runningforprematurebabies and use #LightALanternForPremmies when sharing.
What is the money being used for?
Funds raised through the Light a Lantern campaign will help provide life-saving neonatal equipment for Neonatal Intensive Care Units and Special Care Nurseries across Australia.
Thank you for helping give premature and critically ill babies a better chance of survival, and for sharing hope with families during this Chinese New Year.
See a full list of equipment provided here.
Get in touch
Our staff are Lantern making experts and we love to help.
Got a question? Get in touch today.
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