Cairns and Far North Queensland will celebrate 25 years of wonderful achievement by their Hospital Foundation and its thousands of volunteers, donors and supporters working for their community across the region.
The celebrations kick off on June 4 with the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation 25th Anniversary Ball announced today.
From very modest beginnings in 1997, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation has grown to be the most successful and respected local charity and donated well over $25 million worth of specialist medical equipment, support facilities and support for research and education throughout FNQ along the way.
Chairman since inception Dr Ken Chapman said it was incredible to look back at the fantastic work and achievements of volunteers, fundraisers, event participants, donors and supporters and our team members working in our two cafes and organising everything we do.
“Not just in Cairns but in every hospital right around FNQ where we have local committees raising money for their local hospital,” Dr Chapman said.
“It was certainly tough at the start but we have built strong businesses in our hospital cafes, car park and vending machines and these pay for all our staff and admin expenses so every cent of fundraising and donations goes to where it is needed most. This is why people trust us with their support for our fundraising campaigns and great fundraising events like the QSuper Cardiac Challenge and the Arrow Experience. The legacy of results from this are the wonderful paediatric playground and the cardiac catheter lab, service upgrades like the now tertiary level endoscopy unit and state-of-the-art medical equipment not seen outside the capital cities is a real credit to everyone involved,” he said
“But we can’t rest on our laurels as we have so much more to achieve in working towards full tertiary university hospital services in Cairns and better facilities and services in all regional hospitals. So of course this will be a charity hospital ball as well as a great celebration of 25 years of achievement.”
Tickets are on sale from today so get online a book your date for the best night of the year and help us continue supporting our hospitals and improving health care in our community.
Foundation CEO Gina Hogan said that volunteer contributions were a key piece of the Foundation framework.
"We have more than 1000 registered. From our board, to our fundraising volunteers and those who help at the hospital, our Purple Angels are an incredible part of what we do,” Mrs Hogan said.
“From helping with day-to-day activities in our office, to assisting at our community and fundraising events, volunteers help us to raise vital funds for our hospitals. Our volunteers make visiting the hospital a less daunting and stressful experience by offering support and assistance. The Foundation couldn’t do what we do for the community WITHOUT the community and we’re grateful for the support and the difference we’re able to make with that support.
“This milestone is for everyone who has been part of the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation journey. We are incredibly proud of what we have been able to achieve. As we celebrate the past, we are looking forward to continuing to be integral to the advancement of health care in FNQ in the years ahead.”
To book tickets at the ball visit www.fnqhf.org.au/anniversaryball
Photo: Foundation CEO Gina Hogan and chairman Dr Ken Chapman are ready to celebrate the Foundation's 25 years of achievements.
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