Almost $1 million in donated funds have been used to improve health outcomes for Far North Queenslanders, in the past financial year.
The region’s premier health charity, the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation’s annual report is a reflection of the region’s peaks and troughs in the past 12 months.
“This year, with the support of the community, we contributed $939, 868 towards health care services in the region,” CEO Gina Hogan said.
“These funds were used for buying vital equipment and awarding $110, 042 in research grants,” Mrs Hogan said.
Acknowledging it had been a difficult year, she said fundraising efforts of $2.47 million was an increase on the previous year’s result of $2.15 million.
“A large part of that success was that the QSuper Cardiac Challenge 2021 was a record-breaking year after coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the first time, the event resulted in more than $500, 000 being raised, making it the largest fundraising event in FNQ,” she said.
Total funds raised during the 2021 QSuper Cardiac Challenge was $531, 417, allowing the Foundation to support the Cairns Hospital cardiac unit, respiratory, diabetes and paediatric cardiology.
“We finished the financial year on a high with the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary gala ball that raised an incredible $179, 235,” she said.
Significant equipment purchased throughout the financial year included an Ebus ultrasound system, Vyaire Medical Lung Function Testing System, Body Composition Scanner, Breastscreen Tomosynethesis, Zimmer Dermatome, and a helipad retrieval trolley to name a few.
“It was a challenging year for the Foundation’s two cafes, vending services and the seven-storey carpark but our dedicated team worked together to ensure these businesses continued to cover all the Foundation’s administrative costs, meaning every dollar donated or contributed through fundraising goes towards its intended purpose.”
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there were some periods in the year that our volunteer services were limited. However, our volunteer support stayed strong and we have more than 1000 registered volunteers – this includes our board, fundraising volunteers and those who help at Cairns Hospital.
“We would like to acknowledge the engagement and efforts displayed by staff, volunteers, directors, hospital staff, donors, sponsors and all others associated with the Foundation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our focus has been on managing the transition while maintaining high quality services, focusing our energy on delivering outcomes for superior healthcare in Far North Queensland.
“We are proud of the work our team has accomplished during a time filled with great achievements but also adversity. Thank you to all within our community who have donated, volunteered and given their support.”
Photo: Foundation chairman Dr Ken Chapman and CEO Gina Hogan at the Foundation's 25th Anniversary Ball.
