It’s hard to imagine New Zealand without Starship. Dedicated solely to specialist treatment of children, Starship is more than your run-of-the mill, sterilised hospital. There’s colour, life and vibrancy there – both within the building itself and inside of the amazing staff members and volunteers that walk the corridors.

In fact, the name Starship was chosen because, with a little stretch of the imagination, the building looks a bit like a starship - not to mention the appeal a name like that has with the kids that are treated within the facility itself. Built around a central atrium and it comes to life with a rainforest theme, there's a playground that welcomes young patients and natural lighting which adds an element of sunlight and warmth.

Starship is a place where families are able to gather together and find hope in rough times, as well as a place that communities rally around to support our children – our future. It is a place where kids can heal and even laugh, through the most difficult of times.

Since 2000, together with our customers, we’ve spread Good Energy and made over $3million dollars to donate to Starship. In fact, in 2002, we were pleased as punch to be able to contribute over $200,000 in the purchase of a much needed ECMO (heart/lung bypass) machine for the Starship Heart Unit when it opened.

That year, and every year since we’ve aimed to make the maximum amount we’d donated the minimum going forward. To make donating easy for our customers, we proudly front a Star Supporters Club. Our supporters are true heroes – even if they’re silent heroes.

From $2 a month upwards, Mercury’s Star Supporters make more than a difference – they actually help save lives through the money they donate. What an awesome group of people! We’ve got our sights set high this year and can’t wait to pass on the money, and the love to the kids and greater community of Starship.

You can chose to donate to Starship when you join Mercury online or over the phone. If you're already part of the Mercury community, visit the Your Account section of the website, sign in and sign up. Every litle bit counts.