Dolphins mascot Phinny pictured with patient Deb Dunn
The RBWH Foundation has been named 2025 Dolphins NRL Charity Partner, helping kick goals for patient care innovation and life-saving research at RBWH; STARS and Redcliffe Hospital.
RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske said the partnership was the perfect gift for the Foundation’s 40th anniversary and included personal connections with players.
“Two of the Dolphins players are almost Foundation family,” said Simone Garske. “Captain Tom Gilbert and partner Maddie welcome son Luca at RBWH last month, while Halfback Sean O’Sullivan welcomed baby Sadie with partner Danica Lappin at Redcliffe Hospital last year.”
“It is a point of pride for staff that these players shared these significant moments at our hospitals.”
Dolphins NRL CEO Terry Reader said the Dolphins were proud to play their part in lifting the spirits of staff and patients, and raising funds and awareness of the patient care innovation and life-saving research supported through the extraordinary power of giving.
“The RBWH Foundation is based in the Dolphins’ heartland of Brisbane and Moreton Bay, so supporting their work assists the community that cheers us on every home game,” said Dolphins’ CEO Terry Reader.
Ms Garske said the partnership was already raising spirits of hospital staff, patients and visitors.
Mascot Phinny recently joined in the RBWH Eat, Walk, Engage program to encourage older patients to get out of bed and move as a vital part of recovery; while RBWH and STARS staff across almost 40 wards were delighted when star players surprised them with a delivery of donuts.
The visits were part of the Foundation’s ‘40 Moments of Joy’ surprises scheduled throughout 2025.
Just before Christmas, players also cooked up a storm at a lunchtime staff barbecue.
“The RBWH Foundation’s efforts have a massive impact on not only Dolphins’ members and supporters but across the entire community, so we are very proud of this partnership,” said Dolphins NRL Chief Commercial Officer Damien McDowell.
The RBWH Foundation said being named beneficiary of two Dolphins 50-50 Charity Raffles for 2025 was also a game changer. The next fundraising raffle is set for Round 14 on June 6 against the Dragons at Suncorp Stadium, following a successful raffle during the pre-season challenger against the Broncos in February.