Bay of Plenty residents will be digging deep into their pockets from this week on, to benefit children within their own communities.

The Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal kicks off today for the 12^th consecutive year, raising much needed money for children's wards throughout New Zealand hospitals.

This year's appeal aims to raise $1.3m, and all proceeds will go towards purchasing much-needed items from the wish-lists of 19 District Health Boards across New Zealand.

A percentage of these funds will go towards fulfilling the wish-list of Tauranga and Whakatane Hospitals.

As part of their wish-list Tauranga Hospital's Community Adolescent Mental Health Service has indicated it is in desperate need of a therapeutic outdoor space for the children and young people in their care.

Mental Health and Addiction Services acting nurse Anja Theron says a space like this could make all the difference for patients.

'Our therapeutic spaces are our only equipment,” she says.

'Our DHB, the Bay of Plenty, is over represented in its youth suicide rates and every dollar raised through this appeal is going to contribute towards helping to lower these rates.”

Currently, the space consists of rough concrete and an old wooden picnic bench. Tauranga Hospital recognize that a safe and inviting outdoor space is a necessary element to the treatment they offer.

A lot of their clients benefit from moving around in the fresh air as it helps to calm and regulate their mood.

Whakatane Hospital has indicated it is looking to create an outside play area for their young patients.

Their wish is to provide a space that encourages outdoor play and is inviting and practical for the Tamariki and whanau of the ward.

Clinical nurse manager Sharon Powley says they are hoping to create an area that's pleasant and has lots of sunshine.

'We have a lovely outdoor grass area, but that's all it is, grass. Children need to be able to play and go outside.

'Sick children don't just come by themselves either, they come with family and other siblings, so we want an area that makes all of them feel welcome.”

Last year Countdown stores in the Bay of Plenty region managed to raise more than $881,000 dollars, and this year they've upped the stakes.

Countdown Bay of Plenty group manager Phil Guilford says he's proud to play a small part in helping so many people.

'In previous years some of our staff members have been on tours throughout the hospital to see exactly how this money has been spent.

'This is extremely valuable because it brings us back to why we are doing it. We can see not only are children benefitting from our appeal, but it also makes all of the hospital staff member's lives a little bit better too.”

His comments resonate with Countdown Ferry Springs manager Steve Green who says he's proud to see how the appeal has morphed.

'Because we have been doing this appeal for so long, we're finding now that a lot of hospitals actually have the equipment they need to take care of patients, the focus is now on bettering their overall health and wellbeing.”

The annual appeal has raised $11.6 million since it first began in 2007. This year it runs until October 28.

To donate:

• Visit any Countdown and donate at the checkout

• Buy an Appeal wristband or raffle ticket in-store

• Get involved in your local store's fundraising activities

• Donate while you're doing your shopping online by selecting Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal as a product

For more information on the Countdown Kids Hospital Appeal visit www.countdown.co.nz/countdownkids