The Humour Foundation is holding a fundraising appeal on the Central Coast, to help increase the number of visits clown doctors make to Gosford Hospital to deliver fun and laughter to sick children.
The appeal will run from November 10-12, with roadside collection points throughout the Central Coast where drivers can safely pull over and make a donation. The Humour Foundation Chief Executive Offi cer, Ms Melinda Farrell, said the roadside collection is a fi rst for NSW, and all funds raised would remain on the Central Coast to increase local clown doctor rounds. “We are thrilled to be holding our fi rst NSW roadside collection on the Central Coast. “We know the Central Coast community is renowned for getting behind local causes and we really hope everyone will throw their support behind the appeal,” Ms Farrell said.
Central Coast Local Health District Chief Executive, Dr Andrew Montague, said the clown doctors make a huge difference to sick children at Gosford Hospital. “Since March this year, we have been fortunate to welcome clown doctors to Gosford Hospital. “Dr Silly Billy, Dr Dotty and Dr Smarty Pantz have been an absolute hit with our patients,” Dr Montague said. “Our staff tell me the visits make a real difference to a child’s hospital stay. “They love seeing their young patients laughing and feeling less afraid. “The clown doctors help children cope better with unknown or painful procedures and long hospital stays.
“Currently we are fortunate to have the clown doctors visit each quarter, but it would be even better if they could visit more often, so we are grateful to anyone who can support the roadside collection appeal,” he added. “Volunteers will be donating their time to run collection points over three days. “They will be recognisable by their colourful wigs, clown doctor coats, bright pink buckets and large cut out smiles. “By donating, the Central Coast community will be directly funding their own clown doctor program”, Dr Montague said..
Media release, Oct 28, 2016 Sharna Ryan, Central Coast Local Health District