Creswick locals have rallied to support their local health service raising over $35,000 in under eight weeks to meet the Community Bank Creswick & District’s matched giving goal ahead of schedule.
Wendy McFarlane and Grant Hopkinson from the community bank met with Central Highlands Rural Health’s Board Member, Kate Redwood and CEO Maree Cuddihy and Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal Committee Chair, Bob Orr, to tour the health service facilities with the Director of Nursing, Pam Saunders, and see first-hand the impact of the upgrades for residents and patients and celebrate reaching the initial fundraising target of $30,000.
CBCD Board Member Wendy McFarlane said, "I am delighted to be representing the Community Bank Creswick & District board here today to mark the achievement of this significant fundraising milestone. The donation matching by the Community Bank has effectively doubled the current fundraising total of the Appeal Committee. Due to the hard work and dedication of the Committee, and the wonderful support from the Creswick community, we have decided to increase our dollar-for-dollar contribution by 10% to $33,000. The wonderful Committee volunteers will no doubt continue their tireless effort to achieve the final goal of $150,000 so that the whole Creswick Community can benefit from this building development project. "
This increased contribution brings the current fundraising total to an astonishing $68,100.91 since the appeal launched on 29 March 2023.
CHRH Board Member Kate Redwood said, “Creswick locals have shown how much they value their local health service by digging deep and donating to the appeal. We are thrilled that their local bank has increased their contribution to support the future of Creswick Health.”
She thanked the Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal committee for highlighting the importance of Creswick Health’s services to the community and encouraged them to continue seeking donations to reach $150,000 by 30 September 2023.
Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal Chair Bob Orr’s message to Creswick and district residents:
“Significant funds are still needed for our local health service. We ask you to consider donating to the Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal. Your support will directly benefit the health and well-being of our community, providing patients and residents with access to modern equipment and technology, more spacious and comfortable rooms, and improved amenities. Contributing to this appeal is an incredible opportunity for each of us to make a real difference in the future of healthcare in our community.
“We believe that by coming together as a community, we can overcome this challenge and ensure that Creswick Health can continue providing our residents with the best care possible. Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference.”
The Creswick Health Upgrade Appeal Committee was formed in March 2023 to raise $150,000 for redevelopment works at Central Highlands Rural Health’s Creswick Hospital and Residential Aged Care facility. The committee, chaired by former Hospital President Bob Orr, aims to raise the money to cover the shortfall in building funds due to global supply issues and significant price increases in materials by 30 September 2023.
The redevelopment project began in 2019 with stages 1 and 2 completed. Stage 3 is nearing completion, and Stage 4 is scheduled to start in June 2023. Due to global supply issues and significant price increases in materials, the project needs community support.
Donations can be made in person at the Community Bank Creswick & District branch at 1 Raglan Street, Creswick or Creswick Health’s Community Health reception at 1 Napier Street, Creswick. Gifts can also be made online or via credit card payments.
If you’d like to become donate to the appeal, please get in touch with Kathryn Kosloff, Fundraising Manager, on (03) 5321 6555, giving@chrh.org.au or visit www.chrh.org.au/donate
Support the committee and stay up to date via the campaign page: www.facebook.com/creswickhealthupgradeappeal
Feature image: L-R: Grant Hopkinson, Maree Cuddihy, Wendy McFarlane, Kate Redwood, Bob Orr and Narelle Barrett
