Uniting to help kids in Caboolture

Above: Rebecca Clark (Caboolture Hospital), Violet, Rebekah Rawson (Caboolture Hospital) and Lisa Evans (Coles Kippa Ring) at the Hospitals United for Sick Kids campaign launch.

Caboolture Hospital will be among the major beneficiaries of a national fundraising campaign launched by Coles.

Hospitals United for Sick Kids (HUSK) is supporting eight projects – including those at Caboolture and Prince Charles Hospitals (PCH).

From February 5-18, 50 cents from sales of more than 150 items will go to HUSK and in turn support a new position in the Child Life Therapy program at Caboolture Hospital.

The program will help reduce fear and anxiety among youngsters in Caboolture’s paediatric ward through play-based interventions and aids.

“With over 12,500 children coming through our wards each year, ensuring access to a dedicated paediatric service is critical for our local community,” Caboolture Hospital Executive Director Karlene Willcocks said. 

“With research we found an immediate need for this program to help support children and their families to feel safer and more confident during medical procedures, supporting their emotional wellbeing and making hospitals visits a more positive experience.”

Coles’ Mango Hill Store Manager Anita Duncan added: “Since 2019, Queensland Coles customers and team members have raised $1.3 million for HUSK to help The Common Good fund important initiatives.

“By buying a $2 donation card or participating products, customers can make a meaningful impact with their everyday shop.”

More than 2000 children were helped at Prince Charles Hospital in the program’s first year and The Common Good CEO Steve Francia said with Caboolture on board it could double.

“With funds raised this year, we hope to assist an additional 2000 children annually through the new Child Life Therapy program at Caboolture,” he said.

“In 2022, Coles’ Hospitals United for Sick Kids campaign helped The Common Good pilot Queensland’s first Child Life Therapist program at PCH, which has been transformative for paediatric care.

“The pilot position has since become permanent - and we’ve had many requests and inquiries from hospitals across Queensland to support additional positions.”

Hospitals United for Sick Kids Chief Executive Officer Nicky Bowie added funds supporting vital projects, therapies and equipment ensure the “best care for kids in hospital or home”.

Sales of Mum’s Jam, Mum’s Sause, Cucina Matese pasta varieties, Kellogg's Sultana Bran, Arnott's multipacks, Swisse vitamins, Grinders Coffee, Coles Fruit Pack 4- pack, Queen Victoria Tea, Coles Multipack UHT Milk 6-pack, Coles Diced Fruit Snack Pack 6-pack will support the fundraiser.

Customers can also make a donation or buy a $2 donation card at any Coles supermarket, though it is not a tax deductable gift.

HUSK supports programs at Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, John Hunter Children’s Hospital, The Common Good (initiative of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation), Perth Children’s Hospital Foundation, Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, Canberra Hospital Foundation, Monash Children’s Hospital and The Royal Hobart Hospital.