Gold Appeal 2019 launched at Sydney Children’s Hospital

The call has gone out to support families at their most urgent time of need, as the 2019 Gold Appeal begins. This year the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation has set a goal of $6 million.

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It’s time to dig deep for sick kids in a fight for their lives.

On Wednesday the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation kicked off its annual Gold Appeal, which raises funds to support young patients undergoing treatment, some for life-threatening conditions.

Children like Elliana Smith, 2, who received a pair of EMU animal themed boots on Gold Day — the official launch of the appeal.

Elliana Smith, 2, with a gold star balloon and wearing her EMU Boots she received to celebrate Gold day. Picture: John Appleyard

In the past decade the appeal has raised more than $36 million to support families at their most urgent time of need.

The 10th edition aims to raise $6 million in six weeks, to purchase lifesaving medical equipment, support groundbreaking medical research and vital services across all areas of the Randwick hospital.

Nicola Stokes, chief executive at the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, said the appeal celebrated the golden gift of time and moments spent with loved ones.

“We’re celebrating the incredible community support that gives hope to our young patients and their families,” Ms Stokes said.

Ben Smith, Elliana Smith, and her mum Maddison Baines. Picture: John Appleyard

“From lifesaving equipment in intensive care to music therapy that brings smiles to little faces and the skilled medical care that offers parents peace of mind — the donations we receive are gifts that are worth their weight in gold.

“Your support of the 2019 Gold Appeal will give every child the chance to thrive and offers them the promise of a brighter future.”

Last year more than 70,000 children were cared for at the hospital.

The face of this year’s appeal is Tristan, 2, who is receiving treatment at Randwick for acute myeloid leukaemia — a cancer of the blood and bone marrow.

The Gold Appeal aims to raise $6m in six weeks. Picture: John Appleyard

He fell ill while travelling overseas and was urgently rushed back to Australia for medical care. Despite his health, staff always remark on his bubbly personality and smiling face.

The appeal runs until June 10, culminating in the annual Gold Telethon broadcast by Channel 9.

Media partners for the appeal include Channel 9, ARN (WSFM, KIIS radio, The Edge), and News Corp Australia (Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph, News Local).

Give a golden gift to help sick kids like Tristan: goldappeal.org.au