Our Mission

Stamping Out SIDS

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.

Help is available for mental health or bereavement support.

Many people experience heightened anxiety and tension after the loss of a child. 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
The Compassionate Friends 03 9888 4944 / 1300 064 068
Open Arms on 1800 011 046
Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467