Tony Birch has his finger on the pulse at Atherton Hospital. Not only is he the Hand Heart Pocket Champion for the Atherton region, but he is also the volunteer Treasurer at Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation, a volunteer group connected to the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation, looking after people from Tully to the Torres Strait.
The group has 30 regular volunteers helping with fundraising activities such as weekly bingo sessions, raffles, events and providing the hospital trolley service. Each year they collect about $100,000 from fundraising, bequests and donations for the benefit of Atherton Hospital. Last year, Tony had his volunteer hours matched for the first time, with $500 donated by Hand Heart Pocket.
More recently his Lodge (Barrine) donated $3,082, thanks to double matching from Hand Heart Pocket. The donation is being used to purchase equipment for the Oncology Ward at Atherton Hospital.
Additional facilities in Atherton mean that more patients can be treated locally without having to travel to other hospitals, enabling them to remain close to their family and friends during their treatment period.
If, like Tony, you’re on the committee for a local charity, contact Hand Heart Pocket to see if your organisation qualifies for Matched Giving.
The role of Hand Heart Pocket Champions like Tony, is to work with the Lodges in their region to ensure Members are aware of the support available through, Hand Heart Pocket and act as the go-to person for the region about our programs.
To enquire about becoming a Champion, please call us on (07) 3493 6000.
Photo: Hand Heart Pocket Champion and Atherton Hospital Friends of the Foundation Treasurer, Tony Birch; President Mary Fitzsimons and Secretary Jo Barnes.
