16 June 2009 - New Zealand children and their Dads are set to benefit from a $15,000 donation to Plunket from the innovative Sovereign Sunshine initiative.

The donation will help fund an innovative new parenting course for Dads called Dads4Dads. Plunket has joined forces with DIYFather - the Wellington based online interactive forum for fathers - to provide the parenting course.

Plunket's Clinical Advisor, Erin Beatson said, "Babies are eager to interact with their fathers from the moment of birth. This course acknowledges how crucial fathers are in a baby's life, covering key issues which relate to parenting in general and specifically fatherhood."

Erin also said, "Father's identify that they need dad-specific information that is accessible to dads and provides practical skills and knowledge. This course is a great opportunity for fathers to get together and discuss fatherhood in a comfortable environment."

The Dads4Dads course will be offered throughout New Zealand, with the first course starting in Counties Manukau on Thursday 18 June.

Plunket Funding Manager, Sue Tuia, said the organisation was very grateful to Sovereign Sunshine for their generous donation.

"One of our key challenges over the next few years will be fundraising in an economic recession," she said.

"We need to not only maintain, but increase the level of services for families and at the same time continue to find funding that will meet those needs. Volunteering numbers are another challenge - the 'aging' of our volunteer base and the need to provide relevant options for younger volunteers."

The Sovereign Sunshine initiative which is backed by Kiwi actress and mother of two, Greer Robson helps under-resourced children's charities by providing them with funding. Each month the initiative focuses on a different charity group, with members of the public deciding via online voting which charity will receive the funding. Sovereign staff also play their part, by helping to raise funds for the different charities.

Sovereign Marketing Communications Manager, Richard Allen, said Sovereign is very committed to encouraging health and well-being in local communities through the programme. To find out more about Sovereign Sunshine or to vote for a charity visit www.sovereignsunshine.co.nz.