Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation’s new fundraiser Give for Kids Day has generated more than $370,000 in the event’s debut; a figure that will continue to grow until October 3.
Give for Kids Day took place on September 19 to help fund the delivery of cutting-edge equipment, research, expert care and positive experiences to the more than 100,000 babies and children who visit Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) each year.
The campaign united families, schools, workplaces, and communities to raise vital funds for PCH, with every donated dollar doubled thanks to matched giving. Donations remain open until the end of the week.
Leading the charge was Ben Gregory who was recovering from a rare brain tumour earlier this year, which required high-risk surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and months of intensive rehabilitation.
“I reached my goal and I’m so happy the money will go towards helping sick kids get better.” Fundraising individual Ben Gregory
The 14-year-old was left partially paralysed after a stroke and doctors feared he may never walk again, but today, Ben is walking, running, and giving back.
His efforts for Give for Kids Day led him to become the event’s top individual fundraiser, raising more than $20,000 to help other kids like him.
Ben said everyone was incredibly generous and he was grateful for every donation.
“It was an awesome experience,” he said.
“It was great to see so many people get behind it.
“I reached my goal and I’m so happy the money will go towards helping sick kids get better.”
After a stroke, 14 year old Ben Gregory was left partially paralysed, but he has since regained his ability to walk and run.
Business News’ own Tania Graves also participated in the Give for Kids Day campaign and raised more than $9,000, making her the third highest individual fundraiser.
Her son Jack Barrett is 19 years old and lives with a complex arterial vascular malformation (AVM); a life-threatening tangle of arteries and veins in his brain.
He suffered a brain bleed and aneurysm at just 2 and a half years old and spent countless hours under the care of PCH’s neurology, neurosurgery and allied health teams.
Due to its size and location, the AVM cannot be removed or treated. Jack’s condition has caused years of fatigue, weakness and complications.
For the inaugural Give for Kids Day, Jack encouraged people to get behind his mother’s fundraising efforts.
“It’s a great cause and goes to a lot of kids that are worse off than me,” he said.
Ms Graves’ fundraising reached over $9,000 through dollar-for-dollar matching by generous corporate partners including AngloGold Ashanti, Circuit Solutions, Lions Festival for Disadvantaged Children Inc., PLS Australia, and Technical Resources.
“People know how much time Jack has spent at PCH, so they were happy to support us, donating from as far away as Melbourne and Sydney, and even some of my generous corporate clients through my role with Business News,” Ms Graves said.
Jack has been receiving care at Perth Children's Hospital since he was a young child.
“We’ve been through a rollercoaster of ups and downs over the years,” Ms Graves said.
“Any parent just wants their child to be healthy. It’s good to be kind and pay it forward when you can.”
PCHF chief executive Carrick Robinson said hearing stories like Ben’s and Jack’s reminded people of the importance of campaigns like Give for Kids Day.
“It ensures WA kids have access to the very best care, the latest research, and the support they need to get back to just being kids,” Mr Robinson said.
“Every dollar raised will double the care, double the support, and double the impact for WA’s sick kids.”
“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of fundraisers like Ben and Tania, alongside our generous matching partners, we can continue delivering world-class care, right here at home." PCHF CEO Carrick Robinson
Mr Robinson said the success of PCHF’s first Give for Kids Day showcased the WA community’s generosity and community spirit.
“PCH is the only specialist children’s hospital in WA and Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation is the only organisation solely dedicated to supporting it,” Mr Robinson said.
“Thanks to the extraordinary efforts of fundraisers like Ben and Tania, alongside our generous matching partners, we can continue delivering world-class care, right here at home.
“Whether you donated, fundraised, or shared your story, our heartfelt thanks go out to those that supported Give for Kids Day and WA’s sickest kids.”
To donate to Give for Kids Day, click here.
