Perth corporates rock out for PCHF fundraiser

A group of Perth corporates will be holding a corporate bands fundraising event, Rock, Paper, Scissors, on 9 May, for Perth Children's Hospital Foundation.

Employees from Shell, Chevron, Deloitte and Western Power, some who moonlight as semi-professional musicians and others as talented amateurs, will be putting on a show at Amplifier Bar to raise funds for PCHF's cleft care program. 

Tom Rayner, a partner at Deloitte, and Richard Cargeeg, finance manager at Shell, are the main drivers of the initiative, along with a team of like-minded musicians who work by day and voluntarily built the event from the ground up.

"It has been a real community of people with talent, interest and passion for music and connection that has brought people together, as well as a love of performing and expressing themselves that is seldom available outside the professional environment," Mr Cargeeg said. 

"It has been very interesting just how many ‘work bands’ there are out there and this event just keeps growing every year – this year with the Chevron staff band joining in for the first time."

The annual event follows a blueprint established by Deloitte staff in Brisbane who put on BrisBAND! each year, which raised $250,000 last year. 

Taking the platform from internal staff events like Christmas parties or work sundowners to the general public, the event brings together people for a fun night of music, dancing and prizes, all while raising over $35,000 for PCHF to date.

The event will bring together employees from Shell, Chevron, Deloitte and Western Power. Photo: Sheldon Ang Media

"Over the last two years we have been able to secure $15,000 in matched donations from companies, and we hope to continue this as well so every dollar raised on the night has the biggest impact possible," Mr Cargeeg said. 

"Many of us have been fortunate enough in an unfortunate situation to be able to rely upon the PCH to provide first class service to our family and friends, and see this as an opportunity to help ensure this impact is felt as widely and accessibly as possible."

The foundation identifies the areas with the highest priority of funding support. Last year three groups raised $20,000 for the foundation, which went to the PCHF's Rare Care initiative, supporting research and care for children with rare or undiagnosed diseases.

"Having staff and participants in these programs over the years has also helped people understand the need and drivers behind these programs and dig deeper into their pockets to support a great cause – and win some amazing prizes provided through local businesses and with the support of the City of Perth."

Rock, Paper, Scissors will be held at Amplifier Bar on 9 May. 

Funds raised at Rock, Paper, Scissors for PCHF will help to develop an innovative suite of digital resources to support families caring for children with a cleft lip and cleft palate.

Janie Brackenridge, PCHF's corporate engagement manager, said cleft conditions affect around one in every 500 births in Western Australia. 

Aboriginal people are almost twice as likely to be born with a cleft condition compared to their non-Aboriginal peers.

Feeding challenges are one of the most immediate and distressing issues for families, often requiring specialised feeding equipment, nasogastric feeding tubes and extended stays in the neonatal intensive care unit.

"These early challenges can lead to poor weight gain, developmental delays, and delayed surgeries, increasing long-term healthcare needs," Ms Brackenridge said. 

"The digital program will deliver on-demand, evidence-based resources, empowering families with 24/7 access to personalised care guidance, regardless of location or background."

The group has been supported by Amplifier Bar who donated the venue, Oztix who waived booking fees, and the City of Perth who gave more than $3,000 in community grants. 

PCHF acknowledged that volunteers and donors of all kinds are essential to continue its work.