“River was only with us for only 128 days…but the footprint he has formed on this earth is profound. River’s legacy is ensuring a positive impact across the globe, in helping create a safer and healthier world for our infants”
In May 2020, Alex Hamilton shared her personal story of the loss of their precious baby River, to SIDS, in a podcast with International Speaker & Leadership Trainer, Janelle Johnston ( JJ ).
SIDS is still one of the largest causes of death of children aged between 1 month and 12 months of age. At River’s Gift, as Australia’s solely SIDS focused charity, we’re dedicated to funding world leading scientific research, providing safe sleep education, ‘Uniting’ SIDS families and raising awareness of this devastating syndrome.
Established in November 2011 by Karl Waddell and Alex Hamilton, these two devastated yet focused and determined parents were searching for answers surrounding the sudden and unexpected death of their healthy baby boy, their first child, River. River passed away in his sleep at just 128 days of age, with no specific cause of death established after a thorough forensic investigation. River’s death was classified as a SIDS incident.
River’s Gift have evolved into a globally recognised cause, with thousands of supporters becoming a part of our mission of Stamping Out SIDS.
We’ve generated over $1.5 million and rely solely on the support of the community and corporate giving for raising the funds required to drive and implement our initiatives.
Our Mission…
River’s Gift is dedicated to ensuring all babies are safe whilst they sleep and supporting bereaved families.
We do this by:
- Educating parents, caregivers and health professionals in safe sleep practices and SIDS;
- Funding world leading scientific SIDS research;
- Creating a platform of support and action for families touched by a SIDS loss.
View our 2018/2019 Annual Report
Help is available for mental health or bereavement support during the COVID-19 crisis…
Many people are experiencing heightened anxiety and tension during this uncertain time of the COVID-19 crisis. It’s important to seek help to ensure the safety of you and your family. If you or anyone you know needs support or information regarding mental health or bereavement support, there’s organisations who can help, 24/7. Please contact:
Lifeline on 13 11 14 Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78
Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 Open Arms on 1800 011 046 Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
