Bernie Vince has a battle on his hands at the moment trying to overcome a hamstring injury. But that battle pails into insignificance compared to the daily battle for survival that the babies face in the neo-natal ward at the Flinders Medical Centre.

Vince took time out from his injury rehabilitation last week to visit the neo natal ward as part of the volunteer work he and so many other players do for the Crows Foundation. The talented midfielder said it was a real eye opener and a very grounding experience.

"I didn't even know what neo-natal meant," Vince said. "There were twins on the ward who were born at 24 weeks and only weighed 800gms.That's less than a bag of sugar - they were absolutely tiny."

Vince spent time chatting to the parents on the ward and also the nursing staff who dedicate their lives to looking after the babies and their families.

"It is absolutely amazing what can be done medically now for babies born so young," Vince said. "And to think that the Crows Foundation are contributing financially makes me very very proud."

The Crows Foundation is the independent charity arm of the Adelaide Football Club and since May 2005 has raised and donated more than $500,000 to a wide variety of children's charities including the Flinders Medical Centre Variety children's ward.

Next month the Crows Foundation will hold one of their major fundraising events for the year - the Ruby Connection Ladies Lunch.

The lunch, in partnership with the Westpac Women's Markets, will be held on Thursday 9 June from 12-3pm on the mezzanine level of the Westpac Centre at AAMI Stadium.

Hosted by the Today Show's Jade Robran the luncheon, which sold out last year, will feature female AFL Commissioner Sam Mostyn as guest speaker as well as a fashion parade by George Gross and Harry Who and of course a number of players on hand to mingle with guests.

Tickets are just $95 per head which includes champagne and canapes on arrival plus drinks to accompany your meal.

To book for this fabulous event and help raise funds for children in need such as the babies in the neo-natal unit please click here. If you have any enquiries please contact Tilney at the Club on 8440 6622.