BDCU Childrens Foundation
BDCU Childrens Foundation is a community business partnership between BDCU and residents associated with the children’s ward at Bowral Hospital.
The Foundation is a community business partnership between BDCU and residents working towards the refurbishment and support of the childrens ward at Bowral Hospital.
The standard of nursing and medical care at the hospital is excellent. However, the Ward had not seen attention for many years and had fallen well below a standard acceptable to the community.
The Foundation was launched in 2005 with an objective to raise $400,000 to provide equipment and items for the ward that would make the stay of children and their parents more comfortable.
Activities
Many fundraising activities have been held over this time including:
- Casino Nights
- Swing Supper Club
- Horse Racing-themed ball
- Melbourne Cup events
- Community walks
- Barbecues
There has been a large amount of individual community efforts and celebrations where gifts were foregone in lieu of donations to the Foundation.
A generous donation of $100,000 was made by the Mulwaree Trust from neighbouring Goulburn-Mulwaree Shire who also use Bowral Hospital for paediatric care. We are indebted to the community and your overwhelming support. Thank you!
Milestones
Following long negotiations with the Hospital and the South West Sydney Area Health Service and huge community support, the NSW State Government agreed to provide capital funds for rebuilding works.
The newly expanded and refurbished children’s ward was opened by the NSW Health Minister on 22 August 2009. The $3.2 million unit can accommodate up to eight children. It has two isolation rooms for children with infectious diseases and an interview and clinic room for its outreach programs.
The result of the refurbishment is outstanding. Both the hospital staff and the families requiring attention there are pleased with the surroundings and the much greater level of comfort. Currently, the Foundation’s funds are in the process of being expended on items as detailed in the Hospital wishlist.
What is Next?
Although this work has been completed, the work of the Foundation is ongoing to ensure that equipment and creature comforts are kept up to expected standards.
It is also proposed to identify support services for children and their families and to assist implement outreach programs that are lacking or for which there is no funding.
The Foundation maintains its Deductible Gift Recipient status with the Australian Taxation Office, Authority to Fundraise as a Registered NSW Charity and an energetic committee that meets to administer expenditure of funds and fundraise for the ongoing needs of local children.
Please continue to support the Foundation and its work.
Support the BDCU Childrens Foundation 
Questions?
If you have any questions or require more information, please contact us 
