Volunteer for critical care

Barwon Health Foundation's Critical Care Appeal volunteers Jasmin Hepburn and her mother Hilda Vanbaar outside the foundation's office. (Ivan Kemp) 483594_05

Barwon Health Foundation is looking for more volunteers to help out during one of the biggest fundraising appeals of the year.

The Critical Care Appeal Weekend will occur from June 20 to 23 to raise funds for lifesaving medical equipment for Barwon Health’s critical care departments at University Hospital Geelong.

Geelong’s Jasmin Hepburn will volunteer with mum Hilda Vanbaar during this year’s appeal. She said volunteering was good for mental health and encouraged everyone to get involved.

“I want my own kids one day to grow up seeing that community matters. Plus, volunteering is a lovely activity for both mum and I to share together,” she said.

“I had my kids at Barwon Health, and I wanted to repay some of what they did for me in the hospital. It all started with the Christmas wrapping two weeks before my daughter was born.

“It’s a good community thing to do, and I’m looking at surgery fairly soon, so it’s another thing that I can do to give back my time… and mum is doing it to support me.”

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said donating an hour or two of time helped the foundation be there for the community.

“There’s not a person in our region who won’t be touched by the work of Barwon Health at some stage in their life,” she said.

“With your help, we can give Barwon Health’s Critical Care teams the vital equipment they need to continue saving lives swiftly, precisely and with the best possible outcomes.”

Visit barwonhealthfoundation.org.au/events/cca for more information and sign up as a volunteer.