Thongs of Kindness

This is what 515 pairs of thongs looks like!

As part of its annual ‘Kindness in July’ initiative Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals set out to collect 250 pairs of thongs to help rural and remote patients access care for the ‘Walk a mile in my thongs’ program.

They absolutely smashed that goal!

Caboolture Hospital Change Manager Suzanne Michaels said donations came in from individuals and teams across Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals.

“These kind contributions will help 515 men, women and children travel from rural and remote areas to access care,” Suzanne said.

“While many people contributed, we must give a special thanks to the Operations Services team which collected 100 pairs of thongs, which is a massive effort.”

“Showing true community spirit, donations were also received from Kmart Morayfield, QSuper and First Choice Care.”

‘Walk a mile in my thongs’ was established by Nurse Navigator Nikia Goldsmith, who was shocked to hear that some rural and remote patients could not board planes to visit tertiary healthcare centres because they don’t own shoes.

She was motivated to help patients who had a significant disadvantage, because they lacked a basic clothing item.

“It means that people can board a plane and get the heath care they need, no matter where they live,” Nikia said.

The thong collection was one of many activities during the annual ‘Kindness in July’ celebrations.

Staff were encouraged to Call Out Kindness by telling someone when their actions or words impressed them by dropping them a personal thank you note.

A staff barbecue – sponsored by QSuper –  was held to thank people for their thong donations and round out another successful Kindness in July event.