For 20 years members of the NSW National Servicemen’s Association and Affiliates have been delighting patients at Gosford Hospital with their annual Easter egg parade.
The tradition will continue when they visit the hospital on Wednesday 12 April to deliver special treats for patients and staff in the Children’s Ward, Maternity Ward, Special Care Nursery and Emergency Department.
President Alf Hill said the group enjoyed brightening the day of patients who needed to be in hospital over Easter.
“We know it can be hard being in hospital during special occasions like Easter and we find our special delivery really helps cheer up patients and lifts their spirits,” Mr Hill said.
“It’s really rewarding to see the smiles on people’s faces when they see our baskets full of goodies, especially the little ones we meet in the Children’s Ward.”
Central Coast Local Health District Manager of Fundraising and Donations Jan Richens said the annual Easter delivery was welcomed with great anticipation by the hospital.
“Our patients, young and old, definitely brighten when they see the Association members coming with so many Easter goodies. It is very generous of the Nashos to continue to do this every year and it means a lot to our patients and staff,” Miss Richens said.
“Twenty years is a long time and the Nashos annual Easter visit is a time-honoured tradition. Nobody misses out and it is quite extraordinary sometimes the difference to a patient’s day that this visit makes.”
The NSW National Servicemen’s Association and Affiliates is a voluntary organisation and has fundraised for many charities and worthwhile causes that are of benefit to the local community, in addition to a number of International and Australia wide disasters that have occurred in recent times.
To date they have donated in excess of $90,000 to local causes such as Gosford Hospital Children’s Ward, Medical Ward 2 and to the Shirley Shuttle vehicles which operate across the Central Coast, transporting cancer patients to and from their treatment.
The Gosford City Sub Branch of the NSW National Servicemen’s Association and Affiliates are seeking ex-service people who might wish to join the Sub Branch for some social fun with those of similar interests – be it Army, Navy, Air Force – as well as those who have served in the Police, Ambulance or Fire Services. If you are interested, please contact Secretary Greg Mawson on 0412 059 345
Media enquiries:
Casey Virgin, Communications Officer 4320 3221 or casey.virgin@health.nsw.gov.au