Show how big Your Heart is for Sick Aussie Kids
Wednesday, 02/07/2008
Bank of Queensland is asking Australians how big their hearts are when it comes to helping sick and injured kids get better – and raising awareness of the vital work of our children’s hospitals.
BOQ’s fourth annual Banking on our Kids charity appeal, which runs throughout July, aims to raise more than $100,000 for the five major children’s hospitals around Australia.
Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia (CHFA) will distribute all money raised to its member hospitals in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia which together admit around 300 new patients EVERY day – many with life-threatening conditions.
The more than 300 BOQ branches, business banking centres and state administration offices will be conducting a range of fund- and fun-raising activities, from raffles, pie drives, cake stalls, sausage sizzles to golf and race-days.
And all will again be selling Helping Hearts cards for $2 to not only raise valuable funds but raise the spirits of sick kids. The cards can be inscribed with a message of hope and encouragement and will be personally delivered to sick kids in hospital at the end of the campaign.
After meeting some of this year’s child ambassadors for the appeal, Bank of Queensland’s Managing Director David Liddy said kids made you realise just how precious life was, especially when so young.
“That’s why I want to make this year’s Banking on our Kids the biggest yet by raising six figures,” David said. “These children, who are the future of our country, are so brave and courageous to be going through the treatments and procedures that they do.
“I was lucky to meet up with little Jess, who was also an appeal ambassador last year, and who was close to the hearts of many BOQ staff because her Mum worked for one of our branches.
“During Banking on our Kids last year, Jess was desperately waiting for a liver transplant to save her life. She hadn’t eaten for around two years, instead being fed by a tube through her nose.
“Jess got her liver transplant early this year and although still undergoing regular treatment, is getting better, going to school every day and running around like any other 8-year-old.
“When you see the amazing change that children’s hospitals can make in young lives and the people around them, you realise that nothing you can do is more important.”
AFL star Luke Power is also a great supporter of Banking on our Kids appeal, saying that meeting kids who had been through so much at such a young age made you understand how important children’s hospitals were.
“These amazing kids spend so much time in hospital and go through so many painful and often scary procedures and treatments, yet through it all maintain a positive outlook and keep smiling through the pain,” Luke said.
“They really are superheroes and deserving of as much help as we can give them.
“And with the five Foundations working together to find break through treatments and cures for a range of children’s conditions, it really is money well spent.”
So, keep an eye out for the Banking on our Kids events being held in your community.
The BOQ teams are available for photo opportunities with their Helping Hearts. Or we can provide you with photos of sick kids with footballer Luke Power..
