Coles launches appeal for Sydney Children’s Hospitals
Helping support kids and their families affected by childhood cancer
31 August 2022
Sydney shoppers can support families experiencing the heartache of childhood cancer by purchasing a $2 donation card at Coles supermarkets from today until Tuesday 20 September.
The three-week campaign will raise vital funds for the Kids Cancer Centre at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, and the Cancer Centre for Children at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
In 2021 at Sydney’s two children’s hospitals, hundreds of families faced the devastating diagnosis of childhood cancer, including 13-year-old Mia, who has recently completed treatment for Ewing sarcoma at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick.
Prior to her diagnosis, Mia was a healthy and active 12-year-old who loved karate, gymnastics and athletics. However, that all changed in August 2021 when she discovered a painful lump in her neck. After numerous tests, including a CT, MRI and biopsy, the family received the heartbreaking diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, a rare and life-threatening cancer of the bones and soft tissue around the bones.
Mia’s mother Mary estimates Mia spent nine of the next 12 months in hospital receiving treatment or with complications like high temperatures. She said the hospital team was an incredible source of strength and support in what was a very long and difficult journey.
“The hospital staff always talked to her, never over her, about what was happening, and they understood that her mental health was important. They truly are angels,” she said.
Mia had her last chemotherapy treatment in July 2022 and is now enjoying time at home with her family.
Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation General Manager of Engagement, Kate Ferguson, said that for sick kids like Mia, childhood is far from what it should be, with cancer patients spending months at a time in hospital, away from their homes, family and friends.
“Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation helps to support the hundreds of children and young people who are cared for at the Kids Cancer Centre and the Cancer Centre for Children every year.”
“We’re delighted to be supported by Coles team members and customers. Every $2 card purchased will go towards helping the hospitals provide the very best care to children and young people with cancer so they can get back home to their families as soon as possible.”
Coles NSW/ACT Assistant State Manager Mark Dubock encouraged local shoppers to support the campaign which helps the many families impacted by childhood illness.
“Coles has supported Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation for over 20 years, and we’re pleased to be on board to raise funds again this year,” he said.
“The Appeal is an important cause and close to our team members’ hearts. We encourage the local community to get behind the campaign, to ensure children in NSW and the ACT receive the best care possible.”
Customers can purchase $2 donation cards in all Coles supermarkets across NSW and the ACT from Wednesday 31 August until Tuesday 20 September.
Background information:
Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead are two of Australia’s leading centres in paediatric clinical and research excellence. Part of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, they form one of the largest networks of hospitals and services for children in Australia.
Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation is a charitable organisation that exists to fund ground-breaking research and everyday clinical care at Sydney Children’s Hospital Randwick, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Bear Cottage, the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service (NETS NSW) and Kids Research.
