In March 2020, COVID19 swept the country and changed life as we knew it for absolutely everyone.
While the majority of the community were instructed to social distance as much as possible, our healthcare heroes across Canberra were on the frontline.
They went above and beyond to help those who were diagnosed with the virus, while also putting extra measures in place to protect not only vulnerable patients but the entire Canberra community. This meant that some staff weren’t able to leave during their breaks, or had to self-isolate from their families.
#CHFCareShare was launched in response to these changes and challenges. We put the call out to the Canberra community to share the care for their healthcare heroes and the response from the individuals, community groups and local businesses blew us away. Canberrans came together— while maintaining social distancing—offering encouragement and solidarity.
Donations of restaurant cooked meals warmed the bellies of nearly 1,000 healthcare workers, while others received self-care pamper packages, chocolates, fruits, and hand-drawn cards of love and support from school children.
From security staff to cleaning staff, admin staff to allied health professionals, nurses, and doctors, - workers from all corners of the Canberra healthcare system were acknowledged for their hard work and touched by the community's thoughtfulness and kindness.
The HAART and PACER team summed up the sentiment of all staff,
"[We] would like to thank you all for sending us such thoughtful gifts, thank you for remembering and cheering us on during the current crisis.
We all love the great work we do, but it's always nice to know that people are appreciative and supportive of us and the work we do fo the Canberra community."
On behalf of healthcare workers throughout Canberra Health Services we would like to extend a very warm thank you to all individuals, community groups, sports clubs and businesses who went out of their way to comfort and encourage throughout a very uncertain and stressful time.
A big shout out to Arbonne, Baker's Delight, BAPs, Barcode Direct, Barmco Mana McMurray, Belconnen Soccer Club, Big W, Body Shop at Home, Brodburger, Bruno's Truffles, Canberra Centre, Canberra Labor Club, Coles, Colgate & Palmolive, Daana Indian Restaurant, Easi Food Delivery, Frugii Dessert Lab, Gelatissimo Gungahlin, Grill'd (Belconnen, Gungahlin, Manuka & Woden), Integral Printing, Kmart, Koko Black, Mecca, Medicines Australia, Namaste Indian Restaurant, Oporto, Pizza Shop, St Anthony's Primary School, The Social Chef, Bean Central.
But don't just take our word for it...
Scroll through to read messages of thanks from our Healthcare Heroes
“People are not in their usual headspace at the moment and this will go a long way to showing them that we are all in this together and we can make each other feel better by doing kind things."
Assisting Director of Nursing, Medicine
"Thank you and the Daana Team for a delicious morning tea. Mr Kumar was very lovely and somehow managed to find his way through the maze that the health centre currently is.
Their offering was very delicious and generous and fed us well for morning tea and lunch."
Women's Health Service
"The DMHU team would like to say a huge thank you to the Grill’d team for the provision of lunch today. The entire DMHU team (nursing, doctors, allied health, administration support and security officer) enjoyed lunch and are grateful for the donation."
Dhulwa Mental Health Unit
“Thank you so much to Namaste for their kindness, how did they know that delicious food was the key to a happy nurse's heart?”
Nurse
"The Chronic Care Program were delighted and surprised to receive the chocolates today. Chocolate always brings a sense of comfort and relief to our team at the best of times. However, the kindness of the Canberra Hospital Foundation and those involved in the #CHFCareShare campaign has really made a difference to our working day."
Chronic Care Program Team
“I am truly thankful to Kmart Australia for the very generous gift bag and kind words expressed in the letter to healthcare workers. As a nurse it is difficult to accept such heartfelt thanks as we just do what we do because it is who we are……..it is our pleasure and honour to provide care to our community in times of “normality” and tragedy. 2020 has been one of the most challenging times I have had both as a nurse over a 40 year career and as an Australian and I know I am not alone. Kmart’s kindness will be long remembered.” ADON, Medicine
