It has been a tough few years for everyone – and nobody knows this more than those involved in our health services. The Canberra Hospital Foundation’s annual Can Give Day (CGD), which this year falls on Friday 21 October, offers the broader community an opportunity to give back to those who continue to do so much for us.

The Foundation invests all the funds raised into enhancing healthcare services in the ACT through upgrades and refurbishments, new equipment, and continuing research through grants. Their goal is to make health spaces less clinical and to ensure patients and families accessing services are comfortable while receiving the highest quality care.

Since its inception in 2008, the Foundation has raised $18 million for health services in the ACT. So far, the funds have positively impacted the lives of many, including cancer patients who can now rest in sleep pods. The Foetal Medicine Unit has been brightened by artworks, which have been shown to reduce stress, distract from pain, and improve tolerance levels, while those suffering emotional distress at the Mental Health Ward have been provided a safe, secure space to access fresh air in their own courtyard.

Deb Rolfe AM, chair of the Foundation for the past 12 years, says the support shown by the Canberra community has been remarkable. With their third CGD, they are hoping to reach a cumulative million dollars, having raised $620,000 in the previous two years.

“At some stage, most people in Canberra will use the health services, so we really want them to take ownership of their health services; to have fun [with Can Give Day], be invested in it, and enjoy themselves whilst raising money,” Mrs Rolfe says.

Businesses and organisations are encouraged to get involved with fundraising efforts ahead of the day by hosting activities or events. Plans for the day range from bedpan Olympics, BreastScreen Australia’s bra competition, and a MasterCook Challenge that sees four chefs battle it out in three cooking challenges. Radio presenter Cam Sullings will be on site broadcasting the action throughout the late morning and early afternoon.

This year’s event will also feature a street party on Hospital Road from 4pm to 7pm with food stalls, entertainment, and the chance to show our healthcare workers our support. Tickets are available for a small fee through the Foundation’s website.

The Big Wig Challenge will see Mrs Rolfe and other influential figures from the community don brightly coloured wigs, strap in and abseil down Canberra’s Hospital’s colourful, multistorey Building 8. The experience puts our city’s ‘big wigs’ in the spotlight to demonstrate their support for Canberra’s health services; each has to reach a $10,000 goal before they can scale the building. Want to see your boss go off the roof? Limited spots are still available to those who reach the fundraising goal.

“None of us have abseiled before, it’s a bit nerve racking. It’s a challenge in itself but not as much of a challenge as the patients have who are coming to the hospital, using health services,” Mrs Rolfe says.

Another influential face set to abseil down Building 8 is Dave Peffer, CEO of Canberra Health Services. He feels more apprehensive about this year’s activities than last year’s, when people paid to throw wet sponges at him, many aimed at his face. At least then it was cold water on a chilly day, not one of his fears.

“I must admit, though, I am not looking forward to it; I am terrified of heights. But, it’s all for a bit of fun and we can have a bit of a laugh at it,” Mr Peffer says.

He knows the impact a laugh can have on those both accessing services and working in the health industry. While he has never before been involved in an industry where employees are so constantly dedicated to their job, he can see the toll the last few years has taken on people as he walks through the facilities. People are genuinely tired but still giving it 100 per cent; that’s why community backed events like CGD mean so much to them, he says.

“The fatigue that people are feeling means that wellbeing is a constant challenge for us. Whenever we get the opportunity to have a bit of a laugh, come together as a team, blow off a bit of steam, that actually means a lot.”

Every dollar donated to the event helps to make a difference in the lives of those receiving the health services provided by the hospital. Mr Peffer says the support towards the Foundation also helps to show healthcare workers how much the community supports them, something which can be forgotten in trying times.

“As a community we have asked so much of this group of people: they have been our protectors, they’ve cared for us when we are incredibly unwell, and they have also supported some families tragically to say goodbye throughout the pandemic.”

For every dollar donated to Can Give Day fundraising efforts, the Foundation’s generous Changemakers have promised to match it.

For more information about Can Give Day, 21 October, visit canberrahospitalfoundation.org.au

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