Sick kids ‘over the moon’ thanks to massive community effort

Santa is still days away from the Gold Coast, but already smiles have been brought to the faces of sick children thanks to an extraordinary army of volunteers. Here’s how they did it.

Santa’s sleigh hasn’t reached the Gold Coast yet, but already smiles have been brought to the faces of children in Gold Coast hospitals.

Volunteers from Radio Lollipop have begun handing out presents at Gold Coast University and Pindara Hospitals after an “overwhelming” response to an appeal backed by Broadbeach Rotary Club and Benowa Gardens Newsagency.

Nurse Emma McTaggart and Benowa Newsagency owner Andrew McTaggart watch little 10 month old Mia Elliott having fun at the hand over of gifts collected during their Christmas drive for sick kids at Pindara Private Hospital. Picture Glenn Hampson

“The car was overloaded when charity Radio Lollipop came to collect the presents for Gold Coast University Hospital,” owner Andrew McTaggart said.

Radio Lollipop Chairman Matthew MacDonald said 30 sick children had so far received some of the hundreds of gifts donated, saying the response to the appeal was “incredible”.

“Their reactions have been really magical - we’ve had a few long stay kids so we can workout what they like,” he said.

“One child, Indee Rose, really loved dinosaurs and there was a dinosaur egg in the donations - it was also her favourite type of dinosaur.

“She was over the moon.”

Indee Rose Gower, 8, with Santa after opening her favourite dinosaur egg at Gold Coast University Hospital. Picture: Supplied.

Parent of 10 month old Mia, Sophie Elliot, said she was grateful to the community for thinking of other families during the Christmas period.

“It brings a bit of cheer at this time of the year - we are so thankful,” she said.

Gifts will continue to be handed out at both hospitals until Christmas Day.