Simple Clothing When It Is Needed

February 24, 2022By

“We gave a six year old boy who had been hit by a car (he was ok!) a nice long sleeved top to wear because we had no gowns that would fit him.  He looked sweet and more importantly he was really comfortable,” Koala Kids was told by an Emergency consultant earlier this week.  

Late last year Koala Kids started providing simple clothing for children presenting at emergency and other units for staff to provide children when the clothing they present in is either soiled, damaged, destroyed, children who are victims of road accidents, fire, household accidents or if they have to remain at the hospital for observation and need a clean change.  Clothing of children and young people who have been abused or are victims of suspicious behaviour needs to be sent to medical forensic and so these children require a clean set.   

Cotton On recently donated around 2,000 pieces of clothing and simple footwear for children up to 12 years and we were also the recipients of a large assortment of Bonds baby and childrenswear through our collaboration with Rotary Club of Malvern. 

We are always on the look-out for seasonal simple tops and bottoms, underwear, and socks up to adults’ sizes so please let us know if you know someone or a company that can donate a large number of random items.  Every item MUST be brand new, preferably with swing tickets still attached. 

READ MORE

Radiotherapy Mask Program

February 24, 2022By

Pictured are two of the masks that have been painted and decorated by Peter Mac volunteer radiotherapists over the past couple of months for children and young people undergoing radiation as part of their cancer treatment.   

Koala Kids and Peter Mac radiotherapists and other members of the paediatric team have painted and decorated more than 50 masks since the program was launched early 2018.  Koala Kids also provides all of the resources that underpin the program, paint, brushes, decorations and accessories.  The artists usually work out of a dedicated studio at Peter Mac and member of Peter Mac’s radiotherapy team provide the briefs from the children. Barry, Peter Mac’s 3D printer manager provides coloured 3D elements in his own time in response to the briefs from the artists. 

“I adore being able to use some rare and unique objects like the bee brooch for the ‘How to Bee’ mask we bought for half price from Jimmy Button from a collection of Gucci brooch remainders of previous years”, explained Joanna Weir. 

Joanna Weir, herself an highly acclaimed artist in her own right leads the Koala Kids team. Koala Kids volunteer artists are provided a brief from each child, detailing their theme or inspiration, like butterflies, Superman, unicorns or Despicable Me.  In their response, the artists can add anything to their painted design including 3D printing and all kinds of decoration.   

We extend very warm thanks and appreciation to Renae Thorson and a team of volunteer radiotherapists who have progressed the collaborative mask program at Peter Mac during the past two years while our volunteers have not been able to participate.  We are hoping that once restrictions are eased Joanna and a group of artists including some new volunteers will be able to return to the studio in the bowels of Peter Mac to continue their amazing work.   

It is Koala Kids hope to produce a duplicate of a number of the more special masks and with their stories become a travelling exhibition and maybe even a special art auction in time. 

Masks are worn by all children and young people having radiotherapy on tumors in the brain, neck and thoracic.  The mask is moulded to the child’s head using a warmed thermal plastic and when on the child, is pinned to the bed to prevent any movement whatsoever. Some are painted in time for treatment though most are decorated after treatment and presented to the child or young person later as a surprise. 

READ MORE

Amazing Grace – Koala Kids Intern Program

February 23, 2022By

Grace Staindl-Dymond applied for an internship at Koala Kids to complete her placement for her University course, Science (Advanced) Global Challenges at Monash University. Grace has reflected on her experience with Koala Kids.   

In the short span of 120 hours I have learnt so much, and I am incredibly grateful to Mandy Mandie and Jess Bucci for welcoming me into the Koala Kids family; it has been an incredibly enriching and eye-opening experience.  

My internship at Koala Kids has allowed me to diversify my circle and connections. Not only was I introduced to volunteers, who vary greatly in age and demographic, I have had the opportunity to connect and empathise with families and healthcare workers who are facing incredible hardship. The opportunity to connect with people who are vulnerable is one that I will cherish, especially because I feel that I can relate to the effects and aftermath of one’s cancer journey in a very personal way. It has also been an opportunity for self-reflection and appreciation – to be mindful of the gifts that I have in my own life and to genuinely appreciate the opportunities I have.   

Philanthropy has always been a personal topic of interest, but I never truly realised and appreciated the number of dedicated staff and volunteers needed to create a well-oiled and effective not for profit organisation like Koala Kids. The Koala Kids family encourages autonomy and creative thinking and I really enjoyed observing how Mandy, Jess and all of ‘the family’ altered their approach to best cater to the needs of each individual family.  

Moreover, I have a deeper appreciation for business-drivers and the need for constant innovation behind the face of philanthropy. Koala Kids proved time and time again that it can adapt in the face of adversity (in particular COVID). An example that comes to mind is the Koala Kids lunches that were hosted in November and December of 2021. Instead of cancelling all fundraising events due to COVID restrictions, Koala Kids was able to adapt and invite volunteers to host lunches in the privacy of their homes to ensure a successful fundraising campaign. Similarly Koala Kids interaction with families since its inception in-person hospital visits, but quickly had to pivot its business model due to COVID and focus on families at home. Both of these adaptive changes have been incredibly successful, and highlights the importance of adaptability within a successful business model. I plan to carry this mindset with me into my future job roles.  

Koala Kids purpose is to bring happy moments to children and young people during cancer treatment. But my interactions with Mandy, Jess, the Monday Ladies and every other person I got to connect with during my Koala Kids journey, brought me my own moments of happiness and laughter. For that, I will always be eternally grateful and hold those moments close in my heart. I consider myself well and truly part of the Koala Kids family, and I cannot wait to collaborate and work alongside Mandy and Jess for many years to come!  

READ MORE

Koala Kids Summer Lunches 2021

February 23, 2022By

Koala Kids Summer lunches raised over $60,000.  More than 300 women enjoyed  beautiful, intimate private settings hosted by Koala Kids supporters intent on providing happiness for children and young people with cancer and their families.  We dined around Melbourne and as far away as Killarney in the Western District, Sorrento and Main Ridge.  

Special thanks goes to Provincial Home Living and Liberty Belle for sponsoring our event and providing beautiful gifts for each guest, Treat Catering, Preece Wines, Purpose Technology, Neo Print and ICEE Cold Fold Boxes  

In addition to our loyal lunch hostesses we were really pleased to welcome new ladies to our growing network of people who appreciate our vision to touch every child and young person from birth to 25 years with cancer.  Some new women have already offered to host lunches in their homes this year and introduce their friends and school community to Koala Kids and others have committed to casually volunteering with us since enjoying lunch late last year. 

Our lunch formula is a simple one. A hostess invites her guests, takes and their money.  Koala Kids provides the Champagne, wines and mineral water, handwritten name cards, serviettes and an event program.  The food is delivered on the morning of the event with very simple serving instructions ready to be plated. All the hostess is left to do is set the table! 

If you would like to find out more information or register to host a Koala Kids lunch, cocktail party or dinner we would love to hear from you. Call Mandy 0412 558 466 or email mandy@koalakids.org.au.

READ MORE

HOSPITAL LINGO IS A WINNER

February 23, 2022By

Koala Kids trialled the provision of around 100 prizes each month to The Royal Children’s Hospital Lingo program during the last six months and the collaboration has come up trumps.

“Hospital Lingo is an online bingo style game, available to children and young people of any age. It’s just like Bingo but with all the weird and wonderful things found in hospital. It’s on the RCH TV every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12pm.”

Children and young people completing their activity sheet can win prizes like LEGO, DUPLO, Playdoh, kits of all kinds for all ages, licensed toys, art and craft, board games.  They are asked for their preferences so Lingo coordinator, Carly Alcastro, can choose an appropriate gift, specially during COVID when children aren’t able to make their own choice.

Koala Kids is sourcing all prizes as donations and we are always happy to receive enquiries from toy and games distributors wanting to support the program.

READ MORE

COFFEE TO POWER EMERGENCY WORKERS

February 23, 2022By

Koala Kids and Coffee Mio recently surprised the Emergency team at The Royal Children’s Hospital with an espresso machine, grinder and six kilos of fresh beans each month.

“Our very coffee-obsessed department will be absolutely thrilled to receive such a generous gift”.

Koala Kids is aware of the additional pressure the healthcare teams in all our network have been under during the past two years so when we were able to come good on a promise, everyone was extremely excited

“The coffee machine is amazing. Loved by all including nursing and medical staff and also our cleaning and patient service staff. It is also great to be able to make tired parents coffee overnight.”

READ MORE

ENGAGING IMAGINATIONS WITH DOLLS

February 23, 2022By

Koala Kids recently sponsored Dr Maria McCarthy, director of the psycho-oncology program Children’s Cancer Centre at The Royal Children’s Hospital and the team of nine child life therapists to be trained ways of using Persona dolls.   Therapists and or children have the ability to create stories behind each Persona Dollsas a way to engage children and encourage them to talk about ideas, experiences and feelings in a safe space.

Four dolls were delivered to Maria and the team earlier this month.

“The beautiful hand-made dolls are made in Paarl, South Africa by an all women group – including pattern cutters, seamstresses, wig makers and finishers – who share our vision and feel very much part of the project.  They are from a disadvantaged, rural and under resourced area and are trained and supervised by Juanita Bosch, a highly skilled doll maker and manager.

“Most of the dolls’ clothes, including all trousers, dresses, knickers and some of the t-shirts are made by Milly Parker, also in South Africa. Milly is in her nineties is still making clothes for us!” Vicki Hutchin, acting coordinator told us.

READ MORE

SANTA’S GIFT TO KOALA KIDS

February 23, 2022By

Jack Bongiorno has donated a whopping $80,800 to Koala Kids since publishing his storybook Santa and his Brother Down Under in 2013.

Ambassador and long time supporter of Koala Kids, Jack, donated $31,733 to Koala Kids this month alone from the sales of more than 1,500 books late last year.

The story tells the tale of a desperate and overworked Santa recruiting his brother Santa Cossie from down under at the 11th hour to help deliver gifts to children.  Using a surfboard as his sleigh, Santa Cossie in his board shorts made his deliveries with the help of a team of Kangaroos, named after Jack’s children Tom, Harry, Sam and Millie.

Neo Print provided 2,000 copies of the book pro bono enabling Jack to maximise his donation.

READ MORE