"Ahoy, mateys!" echoed through the Bundaberg Hospital paediatric ward as staff embraced Talk Like a Pirate Day, transforming a routine hospital day into a fun-filled experience for young patients.
The paediatric crew dressed in their finest buccaneer attire, setting sail on a high-seas adventure that inspired the imagination of children in their care.
Pirate-themed decorations filled the ward along with laughter and excitement from swashbuckling games to craft stations that offered children a welcome distraction from their hospital stay.
Paediatric ward nurse Erica Lynch, who organised the event with colleagues Jordan Burridge and Savannah Logan, said staff enthusiastically came together each year to raise funds for Childhood Cancer Support. This facility is a lifeline for regional families providing free accommodation close to the Queensland Children’s Hospital, as well as food, transport and counselling services.
“When a child from a regional area receives a cancer diagnosis, they often need to travel to a major city for long term treatment at a moment’s notice,” Erica said.
“Unfortunately, this is the case for many families in the Bundaberg community.”
Determined to make a difference, it was all hands on deck for the paediatric crew as they planned the event which included raising funds through a bake sale and a sea-monster raffle with a prize pool valued at more than $5,000.
“We’re very grateful to our generous sponsors who have donated the fantastic prizes, including a luxury whale watching experience and family entertainment opportunities,” Erica said.
“Last year more than $7000 was raised and this year, with everyone’s support, we’re very pleased to have reached an even greater amount of $9437.”
Paediatric Nurse Unit Manager Janelle McMillan said she was extremely proud of the staff who go above and beyond to support this special cause.
“Every dollar raised goes directly towards helping families during some of the most challenging times they may ever face,” Janelle said.
“Often parents have the added stress of needing time off work and having to pay for long term accommodation in a new city while also covering costs of mortgages, rents and living expenses.
“Supporting them in whatever way we can through days like this makes a meaningful difference.”
The Bundaberg Hospital paediatric ward thanked all staff, patients, families and the generous sponsors who contributed to making this fundraiser a success.
A bake sale proved popular on the day, raising money for Childhood Cancer Support.