As we dive into 2025, we still want to look back on the magic you helped us create during Givemas 2024.
Thanks to many in-kind donors from community groups, local businesses and organisations, we were able to witness the joy experienced by people of all ages who were in hospital during the festive period. Because of your incredibly generous donations and efforts, our team delivered some Christmas spirit to patients who may not have been feeling so cheerful during this time.
Here are all the ways you gave back for Givemas:
Choirs
A total of 43 choir performances were put on throughout Canberra Health Services across Canberra Hospital, North Canberra Hospital and the UC Hospital. These performances lit up common spaces with Christmas carols for the three weeks and included star performances by the Canberra Hospital Foundation choir, Sing Australia and the Australia Girls Choir.
Gifts
Through our Adopt-a-Ward initiative, 16 wards across Canberra hospitals were adopted by 13 local businesses and organisations and 3 kind individuals (who celebrated a few years in a row of participation!).
A big thank you to our 2024 Ward Adopters CISAC Club Lime, CBR Cyber, Taoist Tai Chi Society, Stellar Canberra and all the individuals whose continuous efforts contributed 10,000 gifts for patients!
VIP Visits
- Brumbies players visited Centenary Hospital for Women Youth and Children and spent time with patients and their families while distributing gifts, playing a friendly competition of UNO and offering some joyful company for kids in hospital over Christmas
- A truck full of toys was delivered by FED Consulting and Express Truck Services These gifts were distributed across all CHS areas with children.
- The US Embassy Australia Marines and Erika Olson, Deputy Chief of Mission and Acting US Ambassador visited the Centenary Hospital for Women Youth and Children to delivery gifts and chat with young patients and their families
- Canberra United players visited Canberra Hospital to spend time with patients and delivered incredible gifts
CHS Staff thanks to donors
“We had a lovely Christmas morning in the ICU/CCU making those inpatients feel very special and cared for on this special day… Patients were so very grateful for the kindness and efforts from all who contributed to make this day as best as it could be. The 2 trollies brought much joy and celebration on this special day to all who were involved.”
- Intensive Care Unit and Coronary Care Unit, North Canberra Hospital
Patient thanks
"Being unwell in hospital at Christmas time is not fun at all. Receiving a gift, delivered by my nurse, was such a lovely surprise, that lifted my spirits immensely. Thank you to all who donated." - A
"I was so surprised to receive a gift hamper while receiving my chemo treatment today. A very unexpected but wonderful gift. It literally brought a tear to my eye. This year hasn’t felt very Christmassy. As the mum, I’m the main organiser, but have felt a bit lacking in the Christmas spirit due to my treatments. Thank you all so much for giving so generously, and helping bring a spark of joy to my Christmas."
- Mum of 3We couldn't be more grateful to all those who contributed in making Givemas 2024 such a heart-warming success. Your efforts are a testament to community generosity, during a time of year where thinking of others and offering what we can really changes the experience of people in hospital in Canberra.
If you would like to get involved for Givemas 2025, please get in touch:
