It's what makes us feel really proud to be Australian. When the endless flood of worrying news about local and global dilemmas and Covid-19 is disrupted by good news designed to encourage us to think about giving to help others, it can stop us in our tracks.
Take a moment to think about it: this week, the first batch of $25 million worth of freshly minted "donation dollars" hit the streets. Their distinctive green centre with gold ripples symbolises the positive 'ripple effect' of making a donation to someone who needs it.
"Give to help others" is the wording embossed around the coin's perimeter, and while the words are attached to a humble dollar, (and let's face it, we're probably more likely to shy away from coins to use tap 'n go) its message is incredibly poignant, especially during "Include a Charity" week.
Nurse Unit Manager of The Royal's Macquarie Ward, Sally Watts, speaks highly of the effect of personal gifts and bequests directed to The Royal. "With philanthropic assistance through The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation, we can uphold our strong reputation as an excellent centre for the treatment of women undergoing gynaecological oncology." Sally says "The Rose Varga Bequest has created an ongoing opportunity for our gynae-oncology staff to develop their knowledge and skills through our staff education program, which was enabled by Rose's gift in her Will, in thanks for the treatment she received at The Royal." Along with other smaller bequests and gifts, the enrichment of resources at The Royal is a life-saving opportunity for patients to give back, give thanks, or to remember a loved one who has undergone expert care at The Royal.
Just like the impact of a skimming stone across still waters, the ripple effect of a donation, no matter the size, can create ever-increasing circles of impact when directed to a deserving charity. A dollar or two, or tens, or thousands of them, are precious tender for charities seeking the means to tender to the needs of the needy.
The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation is one of many Australian charities bracing themselves for a philanthropic shortfall caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. Constituted in 1994 to support The Royal Hospital for Women in Paddington, the Foundation funded the Hospital's relocation to Randwick in 1997.
With millions of dollars raised since, donations from kind and generous Australians and some from their families "In Memory" of lost relatives, have underpinned some extraordinary investments in equipment, programs and research that transform the lives of women, newborns and families at The Royal and beyond.
In order to maintain that impact, The Royal needs continuing philanthropic support across all clinical and medical areas of the Hospital. And it all starts with a dollar.
So if you're handed a green donation dollar in your loose, will you consider making a gift to The Royal? Or if you are preparing your Will, will you include a Bequest to The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation? Your gift to The Royal, whatever form it takes, will make a difference to countless women, babies and families. We hope you WILL give to The Royal during this "Include a Charity" week.
Please reach out to us for any questions or requests on how you would like your bequest to help or fill out the form below and we will be in touch.
