Thumbs up for first Giving Day

Caboolture Hospital is preparing for its first Giving Day tomorrow (Wednesday) to raise vital funds for medical projects and programs.

Run by medical research charity The Common Good, Giving Day will also be held at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH), Chermside, where it started last year.

All donations - which will be doubled by The Common Good’s matched givers - go to community-focused initiatives at TPCH and Caboolture Hospital.

This year’s target programs help patients’ mobility, independence and social connection during and after their stay in hospital. 

One is developing Memory Corridors at TPCH and Caboolture Hospital for cognitively impaired patients.

Memory Corridors have sensory cues for patients, families, and carers providing mental stimulation and physical activity.

Expansion plans

Also, Grandfriends, a program changing lives by connecting Kindergarten children and elderly patients together through ageless play.

It is hoped Giving Day funds will expand the program, at TPCH Early Education Centre, helping reduce social isolation and improve mobility for older people.

One Grandfriends participant said: “I really look forward to seeing the children. Great for companionship and cuddles.”

Contributions from Giving Day will upgrade wards visited by elderly patients to create warmer, less clinical environments, The Common Good CEO Michael Hornby OAM said.

The Cognitive Assessment and Management Unit at TPCH hopes to raise funds to create a village-like community space with a barber, post office, grocery store and cafe zones.

“By providing spaces and activities that keep older patients engaged and active for as long as possible, we help them hold on to their independence,” Mr Hornby said.

Vital target

“This is absolutely vital in reducing social isolation and loneliness, both here in the hospital and when they return to their families and the community.”

More than $266,000 was raised from Giving Day last year, supporting projects such therapy dogs and a dementia sensory garden. This year The Common Good hopes to beat that.

The Common Good has been linked with Caboolture Hospital for the last two years.

General Manager of Community Fundraising Mick Dwane said $100,000 had been given to researchers in 2022. 

In May, the first Caboolture Hospital Children’s Appeal was launched which included raising funds for a special incubator for critically-ill new-born babies.

Now the attention has turned to expanding Caboolture Hospital’s volunteer program to meet the needs of an expanding hospital.

Join volunteers

“Not only do The Common Good volunteers at Caboolture Hospital support patients and families in the most difficult of times, but their assistance to staff is immeasurable,” Mr Dwane said.

“We’re looking for more incredible community members to come forward and join us as volunteers for the Caboolture Hospital.

“Not only is it a great way to give back to the community, but it’s also a wonderful way to stay active and social.”

Click here to make a donation to Giving Day. Donations also accepted in person

Click here for latest updates on Giving Day

Click here for more on volunteer opportunities at Caboolture Hospital