Team Royal’s passion and commitment for patient care and life-saving research has once again inspired an outpouring of support for RBWH Foundation Giving Day 2022, helping push the final tally past $520,000.
RBWH Foundation CEO Simone Garske said the fundraising achievement reflected the extraordinary trust and connection between hospital staff and the Foundation’s donors and supporters.
“To witness the energy and enthusiasm of Team Royal, despite another demanding year, is inspirational and makes such a difference to the energy of Giving Day celebrations,” Ms Garske said.
RBWH Foundation Giving Day, held on Wednesday 15 June, was kickstarted by Seven’s Sunrise program with weather presenter Sam Mac showcasing RBWH staff, patients and donors throughout the morning.
“It was truly an honour to share the incredible talent of our staff and emotional patient stories with Sunrise’s national audience,” said Ms Garske.
The Foundation also paid tribute to the fundraising efforts of Team Royal, particularly the marathon effort of RBWH Assistant Physiotherapist Reece Crawford, who ran 60 kilometres over 12 hours in a ‘Do or Dare’ treadmill challenge.
- A $20,000 donation by parents Mat Umina and Bianca Jones in honour of their 17-year-old son Nik, who died unexpectedly from epilepsy just over a year ago.
- The effort of individual fundraiser, Helen Woolley from RBWH Nutrition and Dietetics, who raised just over $4000.
- The enthusiastic fundraising drive from Women’s and Newborn Services, with special mention going to Ashan Fernando who, along with his wife, baked and sold cupcakes raising more than $700.
- A shout-out to the Allied Health team who raised more than $15,000 with every sub-speciality involved in fundraising.
- The Physiotherapy Department’s ‘Beat the Clock’ challenge, which pitted staff members against each other on a variety of equipment including exercise bikes and rowing machines.
- A surprise $10,000 donation, live on Sunrise, from Followmont Transport in support of their employee, patient Glen Bennett, who was burnt in a semitrailer explosion two years ago.
- The Giving Day Gratitude Tree: in full blossom with messages of support from RBWH patients, visitors and former colleagues
A full list of Team Royal fundraisers can be found online.
All funds raised on RBWH Foundation Giving Day will now be distributed through the RBWH Foundation’s Giving Day Grant Round. Details of this will be released soon!