MEDIA RELEASE

Music legend Sayer to make Cbr feel like giving

In a year in which our health system and those who work in it have been so critical to our health and safety, Canberrans are encouraged to support the Canberra Hospital Foundation’s inaugural CAN GIVE DAY on Thursday 26 November.

CAN GIVE DAY will be a 24-hour ‘festival of giving’, in the style of telethons of days gone by, and will raise funds to help the Foundation support patients in hospital or those receiving treatment.

Joining the festivities will be 1970s music icon and Foundation Ambassador Leo ‘You make me feel like dancing’ Sayer. Leo boogied down to Canberra Hospital today for the launch of the giving event, and will return on the day itself to headline a free livestreamed breakfast concert, from 9am via the cangiveday.org.au website.

Leo, who is now a neighbour to the ACT living in nearby NSW, is keen to lend his support and to sing from the same song sheet to encourage everyone locally to ‘give’ as best they can.

“This year has been difficult for many and I am happy to help the Foundation bring some comfort to anyone in hospital,” the singer-songwriter said.

“It will be a great show, and one that I hope will inspire Canberrans to give.” Deborah Rolfe AM, Board Chair of the Foundation since 2012 says, she and her fellow board members are just delighted to have Leo as our Ambassador.

"Almost every person, at some point in their life, needs public health care. Donating to CAN GIVE DAY will go to help every patient in some way.” Ms Rolfe said.

The Foundation supports the more than 500,000 people who are hospitalised or receive treatment in Canberra each year: patients of all ages, facing all illnesses, injuries and conditions, in the area of care they need.

Dr Nick Coatsworth, Canberra Health Services’ Executive Director of Medical Services, said what the Foundation has achieved over the years with money raised from the community has been truly remarkable.

"There's no doubt in my mind that CAN GIVE DAY will contribute to our health service in a way that is meaningful and makes a difference to our patients." Dr Nicholas Coatsworth said.

Funds raised during CAN GIVE DAY will support important research, transformations of away from bed spaces, therapeutic programs and the purchase of new and innovative medical technology and equipment and comfort items – all initiatives which help to enhance patients’ care and treatment and uplift their hospital experience. More about CAN GIVE DAY and the Leo Sayer concert can be found at the cangiveday.org.au website.

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