With a less-than-ideal weather forecast brewing, the CHF team set out for CAN GIVE DAY on the 26th of September with our fingers and toes crossed that the day would be like it is every year, our greatest fundraising effort.
With 26 healthcare teams participating across Canberra, our famous Big Wig Challenge, MIX106.3 broadcasting live on Canberra Hospital campus, the CHF Choir singing their hearts out, and more, we were feeling excited and ready to experience this important giving day (despite a rain drop or two!).
After a few logistical bumps in the road – a postponed Can Golf Day due to weather, and a slightly slippery, but safe, building façade for the abseilers -- we got to it, with the help of countless friendly faces, like those of our CHF volunteers.
This year, CHF set out to raise $350,000 across all activities, raising awareness across Canberra about the incredible work of our healthcare teams and how our community can support them.
We couldn’t be more grateful to all of you who have donated, supported an activity or program, rallied behind our brave Big Wigs and Master Cooks or encouraged others in the community to donate to a cause that means so much to so many in Canberra and the region; enhancing patient care so they can look forward to a healthy future, one donation at a time.
Big Wig Challenge: An individual fundraiser record
As you may have heard over the last few weeks, Omar Muscat is now the top individual fundraiser EVER for CHF!
With your help, Omar set out to raise $10,000 for Canberra Hospital Foundation. But thanks to your overwhelming generosity, he didn’t just hit his goal - he surpassed it and reached a whopping $61,714.
We also want to say a big THANK YOU to all of our 2024 Big Wigs for their tremendous impact this year:
Stephen Byron - $44,765
Susan Proctor - $11,089
Kerri Hartland - $6,135
Catwoman & Batman - $689
We’d also like to give a big shoutout to our ClubsACT participants, Tori Heron from Ainslie Group, Matt Walshe from Canberra Southern Cross Club, Michelle Markov from The Eastlake Group, Kat Church from Harmonie German Club and Kate Palmer from ClubsACT.
We're already excited to see the impact of your giving in action!
Master Cook Challenge: Cooking up a storm and raising the standard
Can you believe you helped raise $30,000 for the Master Cook Challenge this year?
Last month's event saw a few "firsts" for Canberra Hospital Foundation. The first ever tie for the Master Cook title between returning contestants, ByCath Catering and Tashi from Lamshed's Restaurant! Meanwhile, newcomer Rockie from Ginseng Hellenic won People's Choice Award by raising $11,318 (a Master Cook fundraising record!).
This massive fundraising effort came together with the help of Canberra College Cares, who provided the venue for free as well as assistance from the awesome Glenn & his team and byCath who provided delicious catering. Thank you to Coles for supplying vouchers for ingredients, Canberra Health Services for support with our audio-visual set up, Kevin and John for entertaining guests with music and trivia, and finally our incredible judges Melita Flynn of Capital Chemist Group, Peter Munday OAM and Chef Francesco from Agostinis. A special thank you to our Ambassador, Deb Rolfe for presenting the Awards to our deserving Master Cooks.
To all our valuable Master Cook Challenge participants and attendees, those who donated money or prizes, bid on a platter or bought a raffle ticket, we say thank you and congratulations on this impressive success.
Can Golf Day: coming up this month!
The decision was made on the Tuesday of CAN GIVE DAY week to reschedule the Golf Day due to bad weather. The postponement, albeit disappointing in the short term, has given CHF an opportunity to sign more participating teams and extended time for online auction bidding with AllBids, which you can still contribute to today!
Our exciting Can Golf Day, proudly supported by Workday, is happening on the 21st of November at the Gungahlin Lakes and Golf Club and we can’t wait to see giving in action at this fun day out on the green.
There will be various golf challenges, a chance to win a CUPRA Born 100% Electric Car (valued at $61,900!), a live auction in partnership with Allbids, a raffle and more. Bidding closes on the night of Can Golf Day, so get ahead by bidding now. From a VIP Lunch with Leo Sayer at Agostini's, a 2024 framed Raiders Jersey, to Underground Spirits' exclusive new gin or High Tea at the Hyatt for four, you won't want to miss out on these amazing product offerings and experiences.
CAN GIVE DAY inspires us every year, and there’s a big reason for this. More than fundraising that helps to provide much appreciated comfort and support to patients in hospital, CAN GIVE DAY reminds us that giving may start with the generosity of one, but it creates a ripple effect within our community and inspires real hope for those who need it most.
This is the direct impact that you contribute to when you donate to Canberra Hospital Foundation.
There is still time to donate to CAN GIVE DAY:
A special thank you to our community partners
