The initiative was suggested by a patient and Seymour Health dialysis unit associate nurse unit manager Meika Rodwell said as soon as she mentioned it to management it got the green light.
“We are fundraising for the Kids’ Cancer Project, and the money raised will go towards further research into children with brain cancer and inoperable tumours,” Ms Rodwell said.
“The raffle prizes were donated by patients and some staff as well. And that will be drawn today (Friday, May 17).”
The day saw patients and staff across the hospital dress up as pirates and sell raffle tickets.
“It’s been amazing,” Ms Rodwell said.
“Everyone has participated, all of our patients in the dialysis unit have dressed up.
“We’ve even got a patient with a parrot on his shoulder at the moment.
“It’s really boosted the moral of both staff and patients and it’s just been great that everyone’s got involved.
“At the moment we have five staff members dressed up, but across the hospital it would be about 20.”
Seymour Health people and culture manager Meaghan Hames said the success of the day, which saw the target of $750 more than doubled, was driven by the dialysis unit.
“They have really stepped up and pushed out the meaning of Pirate Day, and even the patients were walking around the hospital yesterday, after their treatment, selling raffle tickets.
“Which was a really amazing effort. So many people have been involved. I’ve even just seen someone dressed up in an inflatable pirate sumo suit.”
Ms Rodwell said she wanted to thank the patients for organising the day.
“And thank you to everyone who donated a prize to the raffle and those who bought a ticket.
“We also had some people donate without buying a ticket, and we appreciate their support as well.”
By the time this article is published the raffle will be drawn, but you are still able to donate via donate.thekidscancerproject.org.au/
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