As part of the 2018 Gold Appeal fundraising campaign students and staff came together to help raise funds to fund new research, buy new equipment and to support families with children at the hospital.

The Gold Appeal campaign is run every May and June across NSW and the ACT, with representatives from the foundation visiting Port Macquarie to connect with the community, said Tanya Sarina, head of community fundraising at the foundation.

“We are in Port Macquarie today and tomorrow (May 18-19) trying to connect with the community and raising funds for our Gold Appeal campaign,” Ms Sarina said.

“The Gold Appeal happens in May and June each year and is aimed at getting schools, groups and the wider community to come out, host events and raise money so we can continue to help children across NSW.”

The hospital helps more than 69,000 children every year and needs our help to keep up the great work.

“Even though Sydney is in the name of the hospital, we have children come from all over NSW and even from all over the country to get specialist pediatric care,” she said.

“The funds raised through the appeal each year will go towards funding research, improving facilities and supporting families and children who need to come to the hospital for treatment.”

St Joseph’s Primary principal, Leisa Fisher said the school was ready to help when they received the call.

“One of our students has been treated quite extensively by the Sydney Children’s Hospital and we have had a number of visits over the years from the hospital’s education team so it only seemed right that we would want to help raise funds,” Ms Fisher said.

“All our students are in free dress today and will be doing fun activities as well raising funds for the foundation.”

To donate to the Gold Appeal head to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation website.

The team from the foundation are also going to be stationed at the Town Square from 3-5pm on Friday, May 18 and from 9am-3pm on Saturday, May 19 so pop down and say hello.