Children’s charity has record-breaking year

OUR Kids has achieved a record-breaking year, raising more than $140,000 to deliver vital medical equipment to children’s wards across northern NSW.

The Lismore-based charity, which has raised over $2.5 million in its 23 years, saw record donations from events like the Samson Challenge, the Darrel Chapman Fun Run, and the Winter Ball.

This funding extended its support to hospitals in Grafton and Tweed, in addition to Lismore Base Hospital.

Coordinator Rebekka Battista said the charity’s efforts had expanded its reach.

“What’s been really good for Our Kids is that we’ve not only been able to continue to help buy equipment for Lismore (Base Hospital), but we’ve bought some significant pieces for Grafton and Tweed Valley hospitals which equates to over $140,000,” Mrs Battista said.

One piece of equipment, bought with help from Tweed clubs, was a specialised intensive care cot for the Tweed hospital’s Accident & Emergency Department, that will be used by every baby coming into the ward.

Regional hospitals rarely had equipment this advanced without donations, Mrs Battista said, and it made a difference to families as they were more likely to get treatment for their children close to home, rather than having to go to a metropolitan centre.

 

A standalone children’s charity was also a rarity – Our Kids was the vision of paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall, who believed regional centres deserved better medical care. It is now a self-funded Trust, operating under the Northern NSW Local Health District.

Dr Ingall’s idea for a calendar featuring some of his young patients came to life in 2001 with images taken by photographer Jacklyn Wagner. Last month, the charity launched its 23rd edition, which is on sale now.

Scholarships for paediatric and midwife staff are also funded by the charity, with 20 people from Lismore, Grafton, and Tweed hospitals upskilled in their fields this year.

Mrs Battista thanked volunteers and the community for their support this year.

“Our Kids and Our House could not do it if we did not have the teams of volunteers,” she said. “And we couldn’t do those events without sponsors to cover costs.”

“The Samson alone has 120 volunteers to host over 600 competitors.

“What Our Kids and Our House do is a real expression of the heart of Lismore and the surrounding communities.”