Industry constructs huge fundraising effort for Foundation

GEELONG’s construction industry has helped to raise more than $120,000 to support Barwon Health Foundation’s 2023 Wish Upon a Star Appeal.

For the fourth consecutive year, members of the construction unions and their members, builders and local and non-local subcontractors combined forces to help purchase vital equipment for University Hospital Geelong.

The fundraising ended in an industry “night of nights” at GMHBA Stadium earlier this month.

All funds will go towards helping the Foundation to buy eight new state-of-the-art birth beds and five new infant and child Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) ventilators.

Construction worker Brandan Pitt said he was rapt with the construction industry’s generosity.

“Partnering with the Barwon Health Foundation to support sick children at Christmas was a perfect fit for us and support since then has been overwhelming with the dollar figure raised increasing year on year,” he said.

“Not only do we support the need for vital medical equipment for babies, children and future generations, but we also continued our tradition of providing Christmas gifts for children in care at Barwon Health over the period.

“To be able to provide some cheer for sick children over Christmas is heartwarming for all involved and a great way to finish off the year.”

Barwon Health Foundation acting executive director Francis Trainor said he was very appreciative of the construction industry’s support.

“This year our Wish Upon A Star appeal is aiming to fundraise $250,000 for two very important sets of equipment to support local babies and children,” he said.

“The eight new state-of-the-art birthing beds will help support a safe and world-class birth suite environment and provide greater safety for mums and babies during labour, but also for those caring for them.

“We are also fundraising for five new infant and child CPAP ventilators to help the sickest of babies and children who are not able to breathe on their own.

“The Geelong Building and Construction Industry’s contribution will have such a positive impact on helping us achieve our goal, because Geelong babies, young children and families deserve the very best care this festive season.”

The Barwon Health Foundation’s Wish Upon A Star appeal continues until the end of December.

Donate at www.barwonhealthfoundation.org.au