Community News 1

Giving Day Raises Record Breaking $120,000

An impressive $120,375 was raised with donations from local businesses and individuals at the Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Giving Day that was held last Thursday. In an action-packed day of altruism, the whole of Mackay Base Hospital was involved in various charity events which saw the eventual amount beat last years’ tally by a modest $1000. The day kicked off with the Corporate Breakfast in the courtyard at the hospital with an opportunity for local businesses to donate.

During the breakfast, the two Giving Day ambassadors attended, sharing their stories of surviving cancer. Kacey Sanfilippo was diagnosed with highrisk B cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia as a 2-year-old and went on to endure two and a half years of cancer treatment. Cade Duncan was four when Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia came into his life. He endured chemotherapy for almost four years. Kacey and Cade formed a strong friendship during their treatment and it was a happy day when the they returned with their families to support the cause which is close to their hearts.

All proceeds from Giving Day go towards extra comforts for the eight state hospitals in our region. While the government fund essential equipment, families often need items such as extra chairs, warm blankets, TVs and other articles we often take for granted at home.

As Giving Day progressed, more activities took place to generate money for these experience-changing items. The Gardian Group took to the phones, using a huge database of numbers to call locals, many of which kindly contributed.

At lunchtime, Mackay Hospital Foundation and volunteers cooked and served a BBQ lunch to staff, collecting donations along the way. When the event eventually wrapped up at 8pm that evening, there was a tally of $117,158 but by Monday morning, this figure had risen to $120,375. In addition to the on-the-day donations, the hospital wards had all been working tirelessly in the run-up to the event, receiving sponsorship from friends, families and strangers. In a friendly rivalry, everyone was eager to see who would raise the most this year - last year it had been a close race between the General Medical and ICU Wards.

This year Ward F2 (Medical Unit) raised the most money and were congratulated by all. The donations will now be divided into location - whichever region the money came from, that local hospital will receive the equivalent back in invaluable items to improve patient experience. Special thanks goes to Anglo American, Isaac Regional Council, Mackay Base Hospital Auxiliary, Moranbah Community Workers Club and all the other businesses and individuals that supported the event this year.

Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Baker with Krisi Algate. Photos supplied Kacey Sanfilippo and Cade Duncan with Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate (little Charlie Sanfilippo in front)