For the fourth year, the Geelong Building and Construction Industry has united to fundraise for the Barwon Health Foundation’s (BHF) Christmas appeal.
Made up of construction unions and their members, builders, local and non-local subcontractors and other associated industry entities, the industry raised $120,000 for BHF’s Wish Upon A Star Appeal at its ‘night of nights’ at GMHBA Stadium.
Brandan Pitt, one of the event organisers, said the industry’s support of BHF started back in 2020 when the union’s annual Christmas picnic was cancelled due to COVID-19.
“We wanted to channel our efforts into other avenues that encouraged festive cheer and made an impact with a particular focus on children, as this is a key aspect of what the annual picnic represents,” he said.
“Partnering with the Barwon Health Foundation to support sick children at Christmas was a perfect fit for us and support since then has been overwhelming.”
In its first year, the industry night raised $50,000 for BHF, and that number has steadily grown in the years since.
“Not only do we support the need for vital medical equipment for babies, children and future generations, we also continue our tradition of providing Christmas gifts for children in care at Barwon Health over the period,” Mr Pitt said.
“To be able to provide some cheer for sick children over Christmas is heartwarming for all involved and a great way to finish off the year.”
BHF acting executive director Francis Trainor said he was thrilled with the industry’s fundraising efforts.
“The generosity of Geelong’s Building and Construction Industry has been outstanding and we are so appreciative of their support,” Mr Trainor said.
“This year our Wish Upon A Star appeal is aiming to fundraise $250,000 for two very important sets of equipment to support local babies and children.
“8 new state-of-the-art birthing beds will help support a safe and world-class birth suite environment for local mothers and babies. We are also fundraising for five new infant and child CPAP ventilators to help the sickest of babies and children who are not able to breathe on their own.
“The Geelong Building and Construction Industry’s contribution will have such a positive impact on helping us achieve our goal, because Geelong babies, young children and families deserve the very best care this festive season.”
Visit www.barwonhealthfoundation.org.au to donate to the Barwon Health Foundation’s Wish Upon A Star appeal.
