$1 MILLION FUNDED TO PERTH CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL
ToyBox Australia has had the opportunity over the last few years to raise funds for Perth Children’s Hospital, which has aided in changing an array of children’s lives. Over our 15 year partnership with PCH, ToyBox has granted over $1 Million towards various initiatives. A huge milestone and it doesn’t stop there!
Take a look below at what we’ve been able to do so far within the last year:
Echocardiography Machine ($78,940)
Thanks to donations received last year, ToyBox fully funded a new echocardiography machine for the Paediatric Critical Care Unit at Perth Children's Hospital. This advanced equipment uses ultrasound technology to produce high-quality images of heart structures and blood flows, crucial for diagnosing heart conditions and administering specialised treatments. The new machine has significantly enhanced the ability of clinicians to obtain clear images of internal organs and structures in critically ill children, improving care for over 1,000 patients who undergo echocardiography annually in the Critical Care Unit at PCH.
Chronic Illness Peer Support Service ($114,285)
Living with a chronic illness can be isolating and disruptive for young people, affecting their daily lives and development. The Chronic Illness Peer Support Service offers a safe, supportive environment where youth can connect beyond their illness, share experiences, and gain valuable social skills. It fosters opportunities to build networks, develop leadership abilities, manage projects, and advocate for peers facing similar challenges. Thank you for helping ToyBox to provide a safe and important network for young people at Perth Children's Hospital to feel less alone.
"ChIPS has changed my life by giving me an outlet to talk to people and putting people into my life that I can trust."-ChIPS participant
Arts Program $9,640
Hospitals can be stressful and traumatic for children and their families, often leading to pain, discomfort, distress, and social isolation due to illness or hospitalisation. Creative activities are recognized for their ability to reduce stress and anxiety, offer comfort, and shorten hospital stays.Since 2012, an Arts program has uplifted the health and spirits of young patients and families. However, in 2023, the program did not run at PCHf or the first time, deeply affecting patients, families, and staff who benefit from it. Art therapy, including programs like Puppertry, Noongar Artistin Residence, Sounds of Picture Books, and Mandala and Meditation, can enhance cognitive and sensory motor function, self-esteem, self-awareness, and emotional resilience.ToyBox's funding for the arts program in 2024 has reinstated joy and connection in the lives of children who deserve carefree childhoods.
"She's had a tough time over the last four weeks and had to endure so much, this is the first time she's had fun and she's really enjoyed it. Thank you so much, it means a lot."-Anna's mum. Anna (11 yrs) was a participant of the previous art program at PCH.
Smiley Scopes ($14,400)
ToyBox was delighted to provide funding for Virtual Reality (VR) Goggles at Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) again this year. Children undergoing painful and distressing IVC procedures often suffer from long-term trauma and anxiety, impacting both their healthcare and emotional well-being. The Smileyscope VR Goggles, medical-grade headsets designed for needle procedures, offer immersive experiences that align with the senses. Studies show they can reduce pain by up to 60%. This comprehensive solution aims to improve success rates for IVC insertions, minimize children's distress, expedite treatment, and mitigate long-term physical and psychological effects of medical trauma. It also fosters a positive and safe hospital experience, enhancing children's trust in healthcare providers.
Insulin Pumps ($13,246)
Type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong condition where the pancreas ceases insulin production, leading to fluctuating glucose levels that pose health risks. Hybrid closed loop systems, akin to artificial pancreases, are considered the pinnacle of insulin pump therapy. However, these systems are costly and inaccessible to many in Australia without private health coverage. ToyBox facilitated the provision of hybrid closed loop pumps to two young children under 7, newly diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes and facing financial barriers to treatment access.
