Who’s Who in 22, Community: Sharyn Tidswell

Redcliffe Hospital Fundraising Manager Sharyn Tidswell, pictured right, ramped up her efforts to mobilise the community ahead of the second Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital event in 2022.

The fundraising dynamo picked up where she left off following a successful inaugural event in 2021, engaging with the business community, not-for-profit organisations and everyday Redcliffe peninsula residents to ensure round two was a success.

It worked and, as a result, more than $500,000 has been raised in two years for the hospital.

Sharyn has worked hard, getting to know the community and gaining an understanding of their connection with the hospital which has been at its centre since opening in 1965.

She is supported by an enthusiast team at the RBWH Foundation and on the ground at Redcliffe Hospital.

Money donated by the community, businesses and giving partners last year has been used to create a Senior Nursing Researcher position at Redcliffe Hospital, which has since been taken up by Dr Amanda Fox.

Dr Fox has been able to combine her clinical experience with a passion for education and research in her role.

She aims to lead research with partners such as UQ, QIMR Berghofer and UniSC; mentor nurses and midwives to engage in research; and provide a nursing voice in research strategy and planning.

The 2022 Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital event, held on October 14, raised more than $224,000.

The community opened their hearts and purses to ensure patients who face lengthy recovery or are in the final stages of life can enjoy ‘touches of home’ while they are cared for in the Rehabilitation and Palliative Care Units.

The units’ patient lounges and outdoor courtyards will be transformed with furnishings and décor that add warmth and charm.

About Raise it for Redcliffe Hospital

Raise it for Redcliffe is a partnership between the RBWH Foundation and Redcliffe Hospital. Every donation made on Giving Day was doubled by Raise it for Redcliffe Impact Partners for twice the impact.

Redcliffe Hospital staff also embraced the day with occupational therapist Jacqui Nix cutting her lengthy locks to raise just over $2700. Jacqui then donated the hair to make wigs for the hospital’s cancer care patients.

The hospital’s Red Hot Baker stall has now reached legendary status for quality baked goods, after a successful debut in 2021, and raised almost $4000 this year.

The main activity hub again this year was the 99.7 Bridge FM Radiothon, complete with hot rod car displays, lunchtime concert by Team Musicare, prize wheel and sausage sizzle.