The supportive touch - Oakleigh Monash Leader
BEHIND the colourful walls, toys and vital medical equipment spread throughout Monash Medical Centre’s Children’s Ward is a small group of volunteers who work tirelessly.Running for 17 years, the Monash Kids Support Group holds several fundraising activities each year to cover some of the costs the Clayton hospital’s budget cannot afford.
Group president Elsie Ferguson said the group had raised about $170,000 for Monash Children’s since its inception in 1993, which had been used to support doctors, nurses, sick children and their families.
Mrs Ferguson said the group held stalls in the hospital, raffles, luncheons and film nights for its members and friends to raise its target amount each year.
‘‘ We’ve just handed over about $ 11,000 from last year,’’ Mrs Ferguson said.
The Mt Waverley resident said of last year’s donation, $5000 was given to the redevelopment of the paediatric waiting room, $3500 for a new pump used by anaesthetists in post-operative care, $1000 for the music therapy department, $200 for play therapy dolls and almost $2000 for two otoscopes, used in audiology. ‘‘Most of the things we give money for the hospital is desperate for; it’s not just wishlist items,’’ she said. ‘‘ It helps the youngsters be comfortable and helps those in the job be more comfortable as well.’’
A committee of 11 meet every two months to work out the group’s fundraisers and Mrs Ferguson said new members were always welcome.
She also supported the idea of Monash as the site for a second children’s hospital, saying the service in the children’s wards was ‘‘second to none’’.
‘‘There is a desperate need for expansion, particularly as the suburbs keep expanding out and out as well.’’