Thursday, January 16, 2025

Issue:

Mackay and Whitsunday Life

Scrubbing In For Service Volunteer With Mackay Hospital Foundation

A new year brings the perfect opportunity to reflect on how we spend our time and how we can make a meaningful impact. If one of your 2025 resolutions is to give back, why not consider volunteering? Offering your time and skills to help others is one of the most fulfilling ways to start the year.
And what better place to lend a hand than at the heart of our community – the hospital? Mackay Hospital Foundation provides countless ways for volunteers to support patients, families, and staff, making a difference where it matters most.
At Mackay Hospital Foundation, around 100 volunteers donate their time for various roles throughout hospitals in the Mackay, Isaac and Whitsunday Regions. Roles such as providing information to visitors to the hospital and directing them to the areas where they need to be, or shop assistant roles in the hospital gift shop.
There are opportunities for volunteers to be patient companions in various units, operating the convenience trolley throughout the hospital or driving the courtesy patient transfer buggy.
Volunteer Support Coordinator Jackie Meldrum said, “There are various opportunities, and I’m sure if volunteering is something you’re considering, we’ll have a role to suit. Just take that initial step and make contact with us.”
If volunteering isn’t suitable at this time in your life, there are other ways to support Mackay Hospital Foundation such as purchasing a ticket in the Play for Purpose lottery and nominating Mackay Hospital Foundation as the beneficiary. Tickets can be purchased online at www.playforpurpose.com.au or at Nextra Mt Pleasant Centre.
Another option is to donate through Containers for Change. Simply by collecting your recyclable cans and bottles and dropping them into a collection bin or location. Label them with Mackay Hospital Foundation’s Containers for Change number C10413428 and the refund will be donated to Mackay Hospital Foundation in support of medical equipment and projects throughout our local hospitals.
Mackay Hospital Foundation General Manager, Kristi Algate said, “From time to time, we’re approached by people who want to organise their own fundraising event in support of our hospitals.
Whether you’re an individual or a group, contact us and we’ll provide you with a Letter of Authority to fundraise. It’s that easy!”
For all fundraising enquiries, please contact Mackay Hospital Foundation, located at Mackay Base Hospital, or call 4885 5915. To find out more information about Mackay Hospital Foundation, visit mackayhospitalfoundation.com.au

Volunteer Ron with MHF Courtesy Patient Transfer Buggy
Volunteers (Dawn and Paul) at the Mackay Base Hospital Information Desk

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