Lucy Lawless is urging New Zealanders to help raise money for the Help Our Kids campaign. The campaign was designed to raise awareness and money for the national children’s hospital, Starship.

Lawless is an ambassador for the hospital and also sits on the Starship Foundation Board of Trustees. She created a video message to make supporters aware of the campaign’s need for money and all of the help it provides children.

“Twenty-two years ago when the operating theatres were outfitted, they were up-to-the-minute and state-of-the-art. But of course medical and surgical procedures have moved on quite a bit since then and the operating theatres are a bit tired. We have a massive push for an upgrade so please help us and get to helpourkids.co.nz and donate because you know every penny of your money at Starship is very well spent,” she said.

Lawless has helped raise a lot of money for the hospital. She has done more than just make videos and give statements about the hospital, she has gotten her hands dirty and even worked in the kitchen and created works of art to auction and sell.

She isn’t alone in her efforts. She also has the help of Starship Foundation Chief Executive Brad Clark.

“The Starship operating rooms are in desperate need of an upgrade so we can do a better job for our young patients and their families,” Clark said. “With help from The New Zealand Herald, and you, we can provide a better environment for our world-class surgical teams to work their magic.

“On average a child every hour is treated in Starship operating rooms and they’re counting on us to get the job done. And we need your help. Please give generously to the Help our kids’ appeal. Every little bit helps,” he added.

Lawless and Clark are hoping to raise at least $150,000 to buy new equipment for the hospital.