Innovative Kiwi company Showerdome is stepping up for the 700,000 New Zealanders with respiratory conditions, by signing on as a Silver Sponsor in the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation’s Friends of the Foundation programme.
“With no Government funding, we are reliant on generous, like-minded sponsors, such as Showerdome, to carry out our essential work in research, advocacy and education,” says Foundation Chief Executive Letitia Harding. “We are thrilled that Showerdome has come on board, and that they share our vision for improving the respiratory health of Kiwis.”
Showerdome’s shower top product was invented by Ken Evans, a Tauranga-based engineer, looking for a solution to dampness and moisture in bathrooms. His innovative solution is now sold world-wide and Showerdome remains on a mission to improve the health of Kiwi homes.
Showerdome Marketing Manager Claire van Horn says the team strongly believes that every New Zealander has the right to a warm, dry home. “The benefits of a healthy home are immediate, and in a lot of cases, life changing, particularly for those with respiratory conditions. We appreciate that there is no one ‘magic silver bullet’ that will solve the issue of damp Kiwi homes, but we are proud to be able to play our part and make a difference in many homes across the motu,” she says.
Claire says the company’s ethos makes it a natural fit to partner with the Foundation. In her case, the connection is also personal: “As a mum of two young girls who have both suffered with chronic croup and respiratory illnesses throughout their childhood, there is nothing I wouldn’t do to improve their quality of life. A warm, dry home undoubtedly has a positive impact on their health. It’s one of the reasons I am passionate about what I do.”
Respiratory health continues to be a significant issue for New Zealanders: respiratory conditions are the third most common cause of death for Kiwis and cause one in every 11 hospitalisations. Letitia explains: “Changing these outcomes is the Foundation’s priority, but this can only be achieved with wide support from individuals and companies who believe in our work. We are extremely grateful to Showerdome for partnering with us.”
