The Good Friday Appeal (GFA) presented a giant $15.8 million cheque to The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) tonight, representing a record-breaking first for the new hospital.
The cheque was ably delivered to the stage by 2012 GFA poster child, 23-month-old Declan Barrett, and accepted by RCH Chairman Tony Beddison AO and Chief Executive Officer Professor Christine Kilpatrick.
Professor Kilpatrick said the Good Friday Appeal played a significant role in providing a healthy future for Victorian children and young people.
“When we moved to this new hospital, we talked about it representing a new day for children’s health and I passionately believe that to be true. Together we can make a fundamental difference to the lives of young children,” she said.
Around 300 GFA supporters attended the event not only to celebrate their fundraising achievements, but to say farewell to retiring GFA Executive Director, Christine Unsworth.
Ms Unsworth has spent 16 years at the helm and has contributed immensely to the GFA, which funds ground-breaking research, family support staff positions and world-class equipment at the RCH.
Among other things, this year’s GFA funds will enable the hospital to purchase a PET MRI machine. This medical imaging equipment will significantly improve health outcomes for Victorian children.
Mr Beddison AO expressed his gratitude to Ms Unsworth and the GFA team.
“I would like to thank each and every one of you for making such a difference to our work here at the hospital and, importantly, to the lives of sick kids and their families,” said Mr Beddison.
“Of course great results come from the efforts of great teams, and the role of leader in a team is critical. Without question this appeal has had a wonderful leadership since its inception, and more recently with Christine Unsworth as Appeal Executive Director,” he said.
Professor Kilpatrick seconded the Chairman’s congratulations of Ms Unsworth.
“When I started here four years ago I was amazed by the outpouring of support for our hospital. The Good Friday Appeal reflects our own brand essence – our unified spirit of care for children – and Christine embodies that spirit.
“I wish to thank Christine for all she has done for our hospital; for her hard work and support,” she said.