COMMUNITY TOWNSVILLE HOSPITALFOUNDATION
THE GIFT OF GIVING What better way to honour the true spirit of Christmas than giving to those in need?
CLOCKWISE FROM FAR LEFT: Tony Mooney AM (Chair, Townsville Hospital and Health Service) and Judy Higgins-Olsen (General Manager, Townsville Hospital Foundation) give out Christmas presents donated to the Foundation; Santa visits Townsville Hospital patients with toys and good cheer.
“FUNDS RECEIVED BY THE TOWNSVILLE HOSPITAL FOUNDATION CAN BE ALLOCATED TO THE SPECIFIC WARD OR UNIT OF THE HOSPITAL PEOPLE WISH TO DONATE TO.”
Come Christmas time, the spirit of giving is alive and well at The Townsville Hospital. “Last year was the first Christmas I had at the Townsville Hospital Foundation and I was truly overwhelmed by the number of gift donations we received,” says General Manager, Townsville Hospital Foundation, Judy Higgins-Olsen. “Of course the most popular donation every year is toys for patients in the Children’s Ward but we’ve also seen an increase of gifts being donated for our elderly patients in hospital, some of whom unfortunately don’t have any family in Townsville. “Gifts have included lovely soaps, handkerchiefs, perfumes and aftershaves, manicure kits, magazines and word puzzle books. They definitely bring a smile to our patients’ faces, which is so wonderful to see at this special time of year.” The donations of toys is largely made up of the
thousands of gifts delivered to the hospital through the Star 106.3 ‘Toys For Tickets’ campaign. From now until 20 December, community members can donate a new toy (for both boys and girls, aged from newborns up to 18 years) at the Star 106.3 office on Sturt Street. In return, they will receive free movie tickets from Reading Cinemas. While toys are most welcome gifts, Judy says a financial donation to the Townsville Hospital Foundation at Christmas time is also highly valued. “Funds received by the Townsville Hospital Foundation can be allocated to the specific ward or unit of the hospital people wish to donate to,” Judy says. “Or you can donate to the unrestricted funding pool, where the Townsville Hospital Foundation allocates the funds to a focus project or area of greatest need. “To help make a difference locally, you can also purchase $2
or $10 baubles for The Townsville Hospital Christmas Tree, with all proceeds remaining in North Queensland.” This year will see 1350 staff working at the Townsville Hospital and Health Services on Christmas Day. The Townsville Hospital Foundation has previously funded special Christmas mugs filled with goodies for all staff working on December 25. “Musical visits are made to the hospital by the Pimlico State High School band and the Townsville Choral Society Carollers always ignite the Christmas spirit for staff, patients and visitors alike,” Judy says. “The wards are decked out with Christmas decorations and the staff thoroughly enjoy dressing up with Santa hats and Christmasthemed scrubs.”
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