An accident. A frightening diagnosis. A premature birth. No family knows when it may need the care of Canberra’s hospitals. On Thursday 27 August, CAN GIVE DAY will give the community 12 hours to help make local healthcare even better – with every donation doubled.
Dinner was being prepared and the children were playing when Archer stepped onto his little brother’s four-wheeled ride-on toy, slipped and landed heavily on his right arm.
His parents fashioned a makeshift splint using wooden spoons and tape before rushing him to the Emergency Department at Canberra Hospital.
“We were feeling so anxious because Archer was so quiet from the pain and shock, which is not normal for him,” his mum, Liz Biggs, recalls.
Dr Sam Scanlan and the Emergency team made Archer comfortable, and kept his parents informed. Archer underwent surgery the following day, with two rods inserted to stabilise his arm.
While he waited, staff gave Archer a virtual reality headset and game for distraction.
“He loved it,” Liz says.
During follow-up visits, nurses used icy poles, colouring activities and bubbles to comfort Archer when he was frightened about having his cast removed.
“These little touches make hospital less scary and less boring for children,” Liz says. “Donating to Canberra Hospitals Foundation helps provide a little spark for children – and their parents – during difficult times.”
Sarah Phelan understands how quickly an ordinary day can change. Her daughter Mia, who is neurodivergent, fell from her dirt bike when she fell and suffered a cut beside her eye.
In Emergency, the unfamiliar environment and prospect of having her wound cleaned were overwhelming. The doctor worked gently and patiently, while nurses found an iPad to distract Mia as her wound was clean and dressed.
Stories like Archer’s and Mia’s are the reason behind CAN GIVE DAY 2026: when life changes out of the blue, Canberra gives.
More than medicine
Community generosity supports resources outside standard government funding.
Canberra Hospitals Foundation raises funds for innovative equipment, local research, therapeutic programs and more comfortable environments across Canberra Health Services – for all areas, across all hospital campuses, from paediatric to palliative care.
This year, CHF hopes to raise $200,000 in 12 hours for priority projects across Canberra’s health service. The wish list includes $30,000 for Smileyscope virtual reality headsets in Pathology, Paediatric Outpatients and Day Stay, and the Adolescent Ward – helping more children like Archer feel distracted and comforted during frightening or painful procedures.
Funds raised will also support Research in Emergency at Canberra Hospitals (REACH), helping clinicians turn the questions arising at the bedside into research that can improve Emergency care and the hospital experience that follows.
Dr Tom Georgeson says every patient who comes through the Emergency Department deserves the best possible care, delivered quickly, safely and with confidence. As Director of Research, Dr Georgeson is involved in REACH’s work to improve patient experiences, including in the paediatric Emergency Department.
What Canberra made possible
CAN GIVE DAY 2025 funds are already improving care across homes, cancer services, neonatal care and specialist surgery.
Purpose-designed chairs are helping patients receiving treatment through the Canberra Hospital in the Home program to do so in greater comfort.
“When you’re sitting through an infusion for hours, comfort matters. These chairs make it easier for staff to care for us and allow patients to truly relax – I’ve even dozed off in one. I’m grateful to everyone who supported CAN GIVE DAY last year and helped make those long days a little easier,” patient John Busch says.
At the Canberra Region Cancer Centre, CAN GIVE DAY funding has transformed the Rapid Assessment Unit into a more welcoming and comfortable environment for cancer patients requiring timely specialist care.
“The team are wonderful, so caring and professional. The renovated space now feels peaceful, calming and welcoming, making every visit a little easier. For those of us who spend a lot of time here, that thoughtful environment means more than words can express. Thank you to everyone who supported CAN GIVE DAY in 2025.” – Cathy (Wife of patient)
CHF support is helping implement a Neonatal Nursing Care Bundle in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Special Care Nursery. It supports patients to participate in their baby’s care, strengthening bonds and confidence.
For Emily, whose daughter Tilly was born prematurely, that support was invaluable.
“Being supported to take part in Tilly’s care helped me feel like I was in control of her wellbeing and made me feel like Tilly’s Mum – not just someone watching from the sidelines. It gave me confidence for the day we could finally take her home, and made an overwhelming time feel a little less frightening,” says Emily.
A paediatric microlaryngoscopy set purchased with CAN GIVE DAY funds is also expanding the ability of Canberra’s specialist teams to diagnose and treat airway and voice conditions in very young children. Its value was demonstrated when two babies aged under one required procedures on the same morning.
“The new equipment allowed us, along with some loan gear, to perform two paediatric microlaryngoscopy procedures. This allows us to more safely manage paediatric airway emergencies in a timely fashion.” – ENT Surgeon
Avoiding an interstate transfer keeps families close to home and support during an already stressful time.
CAN GIVE DAY returns at 8am on Thursday 27 August for 12 hours of matched giving. Thanks to Matched Givers, every donation will be doubled – turning $25 into $50, $100 into $200 and $500 into $1,000 of potential impact.
People can donate, establish a fundraising page, support a participating Canberra Health Services team, share the campaign or encourage their workplace to become involved.
Every gift supports better healthcare experiences and the teams there waiting when life changes unexpectedly.
For Liz, CAN GIVE DAY is one way the community can thank the healthcare teams who cared for Archer.
“We really want to thank all the staff who cared for our Archer.”
On Thursday 27 August, Canberra can thank them too – by giving generously and helping make twice the difference.
How to take part
CAN GIVE DAY
Thursday 27 August, from 8am | 12 hours of matched giving
Donate, fundraise or support a participating team at cangiveday.org.au
When life changes out of the blue, Canberra gives.
Double your donation. Double the difference.
