Foundation calls on community to roll up sleeves

THE Barwon Health Foundation is calling on the Geelong community to the give the gift of time during its 2025 Critical Care Appeal.

The foundation is seeking volunteers to shake tins, bake sweet treats, flip sausages and sell raffle tickets to help raise vital funds for lifesaving medical equipment in Barwon Health’s critical care departments.

Barwon Health Foundation executive director Zoe Waters said community involvement is what powers the success of the campaign.

“There’s not a person in our region who won’t be touched by the work of Barwon Health at some stage in their life.

“With your help, we can give Barwon Health’s critical care teams the vital equipment they need to continue saving lives swiftly, precisely and with the best possible outcomes.

“One hour of tin shaking can raise up to $700. Imagine the impact we could make if we all chipped in just 60 minutes of our time.”

The Critical Care Appeal will see a range of other fundraising activities take place across Greater Geelong including donation-based classes at fitness studios, and the Barwon’s Biggest Bake Sale, on today (Friday, June 13) at Westfield Geelong.

Local businesses such as Fresh Food Merchant, Natural Supply Co, Café GO and Community Care Chemist will also donate a portion of sales across June 20 and June 22 to the cause.

Generous mother-daughter volunteer duo Hilda and Jasmin have been proudly supporting the Barwon Health Foundation for years.

Hilda said volunteering is something the duo love doing as a family.

“We both feel so lucky to have access to such an incredible health service here in Geelong and giving an hour or two of our time to tin-shake is the least we can do to support it.”

Jasmin hopes to continue the tradition with her own children.

“I want my own kids one day to grow up seeing that community matters,” she said.

For more information or to volunteer, head to barwonhealthfoundation.org.au/events/cca