Wish appeal receives $110k

Barwon Health Foundation Wish Upon a Star ambassador Abel McArthur opens his present with Sandra van Roon (nurse unit manager Barwon Health), Brendan Pitt (organiser, CFMEU) and Elise Gibson (corporate partnership organiser Barwon Health Foundation). (Ivan Kemp) 313370_08

Construction workers across Geelong have raised $110,000 for Barwon Health Foundation’s Wish Upon A Star Christmas Appeal.

For a third year, the Geelong Building and Construction Industry united to raise funds that will help local sick kids get the care they need, close to home.

The collective, which comprises members of the CFMEU, the ETU, the PPTEU, builders and local and nonlocal subcontractors, generated most of the funds at an industry event at

GMBHA Stadium.

The group’s support of the Barwon Health Foundation began in 2020 when the union’s annual Christmas picnic was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, prompting the members to find another way to spread festive cheer.

The industry’s passion for the cause has continued to drive the dollar figure up, growing the donation from $50,000 in 2020 to $100,000 in 2021 and $110,000 this year.

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said the industry’s enthusiasm for giving back was inspiring.

“The Geelong Building and Construction Industry has shown great leadership when it comes to supporting local kid’s health,” she said.

“Since our partnership began, they have contributed more than a quarter of a million dollars which has had an immeasurable positive impact on the care and comfort families across our region experience when accessing Barwon Health.

“It has been their genuine care for local kids that has been the biggest gift.”

Fundraising for the Wish Upon A Star Christmas Appeal continues until the end of December. Donate at barwonhealthfoundation.org.au