At the heart of the Children’s Hospital Foundation are our volunteers. These people transform the hospital experience, infusing joy, comfort and a touch of normalcy into the lives of children and their families during the toughest of times.
For over 30 years, Children’s Hospital Foundation volunteers have been operating on the ground, in the wards and the waiting rooms to support seriously ill children and their families. More than just helpers – volunteers are the backbone of our daily operations.
Whether its engaging in bedside play, providing directions or reading books in our Book Bunker, our volunteers ensure that every child feels seen, heard and valued.
The impact of a smile
This National Volunteers Week, we are spotlighting the invaluable contributions of our volunteers. In the last year, our volunteers have dedicated more than 13,500 hours of their time to supporting patients, families, friends and loved ones through some of the toughest times.
But this year is particularly special as we celebrate the Queensland Children’s Hospital’s 10th birthday.
Our volunteers have been with us every step of the way since the hospital first opened its doors. These people are the ‘secret ingredient’ in the Queensland Children’s Hospital’s world-class care – creating a calm and nurturing environment where sick kids can play, learn and be children.
In the last 10 years, our volunteers have dedicated more than 246,750 hours of support for sick children and their families at the Queensland Children’s Hospital and Ellen Barron Family Centre. This has equated to more than $10 million in value to our healthcare system!
A volunteer’s journey
Our volunteers come from all walks of life but share a common purpose – to make a difference in the lives of sick kids.
Carmel is an operating theatre support volunteer, who has volunteered with us for the past 10 years. Carmel has always loved babies and children and has four kids, six grandkids and two great-grandchildren. This family is who inspired her to volunteer at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
Donna volunteers across a range of our programs. Some days, she provides ward orientations to help families during their stay. Other days, she supports and eases the anxiety of families in the operating theatre holding bay. Donna volunteers to bring smiles to the faces of little ones and their families during their hospital stay.
For Max, volunteering with our community fundraising team allows him to give back to the team that supported him. Diagnosed with a rare brain cancer at ten years old, Max spent six weeks in the Queensland Children’s Hospital learning to walk and talk again.
Now, Max is an avid fundraiser for the Children’s Hospital Foundation and has raised more than $80,000 for kids just like him.
You can be the difference every kid deserves
As we celebrate National Volunteer Week, we extend our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers – past and present. Your dedication and spirit enable us to be the difference every kid deserves.
But, with a 32% rise in demand for our services and a 62% decrease in our volunteer workforce, your time and compassion are more crucial than ever.
Through volunteering at the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can be a part of our purpose and come face-to-face with precious moments in one of the world’s best paediatric hospitals.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can build on our legacy and care, ensuring every child receives the support needed to thrive.
To find out more about how to volunteer with the Children’s Hospital Foundation, head here.
The difference that shapes their world
Through supporting the Children’s Hospital Foundation, you can improve childhoods and ensure all children and young people have access to treatment - sooner.
