Playground focus for hospital’s festive appeal

BENDIGO Health’s annual Christmas Appeal is underway and this year the focus is on raising funds for an all-abilities outdoor play space.

The planned playground is slated for an area near the Clinical Services Campus on Lucan Street and is aiming to support other treatment options that will be available at the new site.

According to Christie Verbeek from the Bendigo Health’s arm of the Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, play-based recovery is an important part of young patients journey through the health system.

“A tailored outdoor space will allow for interesting nature-based play and a place to practice running, bike riding, and return to walking in an outdoor environment,” she said.

More than 100 paediatric patients from across the Loddon Mallee region can be treated at the Bendigo Hospital at any time and the new playground would be used by clinicians and therapists as part of their treatment, or as just a normal play space.

To get the appeal underway, the Bendigo Chinese Association made a significant donation at the launch of the appeal last week.

The association has a “long-standing philanthropic relationship” with Bendigo Health.

“We are proud to be investing in the future of our region’s children and see our contribution to this year’s appeal as a fitting tribute to the respectful relationship The Bendigo Chinese Association has maintained with Bendigo Health since 1857,” said Doug Lougoon, association president.

Donations to the Bendigo Health Christmas Appeal can be made via bendigohealth.org.au/Christmas, or at any branch of the Bendigo Bank.