General News
4 September, 2022
Cairns customers to help Hummingbird House take flight
COLES customers in Cairns can help support families and children living with life-limiting conditions as part of Coles’ ongoing partnership with Queensland’s only children’s hospice, Hummingbird House.
Starting this Wednesday and until Tuesday, September 27, customers can purchase $2 donation cards at Coles stores across the state, featuring four unique designs created by Hummingbird House families.
With more than 5,700 babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions across Queensland, Hummingbird House is a home away from home, providing specialised paediatric palliative care services and supporting families like the Williamson’s.
Lynn Williamson, who works for Coles Smithfield, said she never thought her family would have to use the hospice she helped fundraise for over the last few years.
Ms Williamson’s four-month-old grandson Parker Leigh was referred to Hummingbird House after having a seizure at home.
“When Parker’s parents Luke and Chelsea made the hard decision to turn off Parker’s life support, they requested that Parker wouldn’t die in the hospital, so they were referred to Hummingbird House,” Lynn said.
“On the worst day, Hummingbird House made us feel very welcome — they supplied meals, looked after Luke and Chelsea, and let us stay for as long as we needed.”
Hummingbird House General Manager Dr Fiona Hawthorne said Coles’ fundraising this year would be vital for families who require support to care for a child with a lifelimiting condition.
“The support from Queenslanders will help Hummingbird House provide much-needed services and support for families both in their homes and at our hospice in Brisbane,” Dr Hawthorne said.
“Hummingbird House supports families through their entire journey caring for a sick child.
“Our specialised staff and support services are tailored to support every family member, whether through clinical or peer support, respite care or end-of-life and after-death care.”
Coles Queensland State General Manager Jerry Farrell said Coles was proud to enter its ninth year as a fundraising partner with Hummingbird House.
“Our customers and team members have been passionate about supporting Hummingbird House since 2014 when the hospice was just in the planning stages, and over the past eight years, we’ve raised $3.5 million together,” he said.
“We started fundraising for Hummingbird House at 60 Coles supermarkets across Queensland before it was built, and we’ve now trebled our support by fundraising at more than 180 stores.
“This year, we hope Cairns residents can help us raise more money than ever by buying $2 donation cards at the checkout.”
All funds raised will go towards helping Hummingbird House to continue providing family support services, physical and creative therapies, and care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
