The Common Good celebrates dedicated supporter, Shannon Surch
The Common Good

The Common Good celebrates dedicated supporter, Shannon Surch

The Common Good is fortunate to have some incredibly active and dedicated supporters who’ve made a huge difference for our medical research community.

This week, we are acknowledging one of them – Shannon Surch, who was nominated for a Philanthropic Innovation Award at the Queensland Community Foundation Philanthropy Awards.

Shannon has delivered bespoke events in the thriving Surfers Paradise nightclub scene over the past few years, namely the Street Art Battle, which raises money to support vital hours of medical research via The Common Good and showcases the talents of local grunge artists, tattooists and emerging artists at the iconic Gold Coast Club ‘The Avenue’.

His events, which encompass upcycled fashion parades and daring Drag Queen performances, also encourage the community to step forward and be their true authentic self (whether that be through drag, fashion or the arts) by creating a safe, creative space to perform.

To date, Shannon’s philanthropic innovation has supported over 483 hours of research ($23,200). Along with this significant contribution, his fundraising has raised the profile of medical research to a much younger audience of people in the 18 to 45-year age group (Traditionally, the supporter base for medical research is 65 years +).

Shannon’s support and advocacy of The Common Good has spanned seven years which demonstrates to his supporters his long-term commitment to advancing patient care and research outcomes with The Common Good.

In addition to rallying community support, engagement and fundraising, Shannon has also undertaken personal fundraising challenges by completing a trek through China. Shannon completed this trek alongside The Common Good’s CEO and Chairman at the time. This opportunity allowed Shannon to raise further funds for medical research, as well as to speak directly with senior leaders from The Common Good to advocate for patient outcomes and to highlight the impacts felt by caregivers whose loved ones are experiencing chronic health conditions.

Shannon has successfully been able to inspire the community and encourage their involvement by bravely sharing his personal story. Shannon’s partner at the time was diagnosed with a heart condition resulting in him being placed at the top of the transplant list in Australia and New Zealand. Eventually a successful heart transplant took place, saving his partner’s life. Shannon continues to inspire and lead others to connect with his story, in turn furthering support of medical research.

Shannon’s philanthropic innovation for the Queensland community has resulted in over 483 additional hours of medical research being supported. The impact of these research hours is profound, and they have contributed to some of the most significant breakthroughs in organ transplant in our generation, namely, the Living Heart Project.

These research hours helped support the pre-clinical research which has revolutionised the way hearts are transported across the country, in turn increasing the viability of successful organ transplants.

Through this innovation, in the past 18 months, 36 lives have been saved by receiving a heart via this new transportation method. Had it not been for this innovation, these 36 people may sadly not be with us today.

The Common Good would like to thank Shannon for his incredible contribution to the medical research we support and for continuing to advocate for such an important cause.

Do you have a cool fundraising idea? Start your own DIY fundraiser for The Common Good here.

Published: June 9, 2023

Related news & events

Dementia Action Week 2025: ‘Nobody can do it alone’

Ageing

Dementia Action Week 2025: ‘Nobody can do it alone’

This Dementia Action Week 2025, Dementia Australia wants to encourage people in the community to reach out to people impacted by dementia.

Find out more

Child Life Therapy program expands thanks to Foundation supporters

The Common Good

Child Life Therapy program expands thanks to Foundation supporters

We have been able to fund the expansion of the Child Life Therapy program at The Prince Charles Hospital and into Caboolture Hospital thanks to our remarkable supporters.

Find out more

Dozens cycle for transplant research at 2025 Cycle of Giving

The Common Good

Dozens cycle for transplant research at 2025 Cycle of Giving

The Cycle of Giving has returned to the Sunshine Coast in 2025, with dozens of riders pedalling for vital transplant research.

Find out more

Collaborative Seed Grants at The Prince Charles Hospital

Research Grants

Collaborative Seed Grants at The Prince Charles Hospital

If you’re waiting for the Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer to hit your lips, we’ve got good news! The creation for a good cause is back in 2023, and brewing is…

Find out more

Stone & Wood’s Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer is back in 2025

Uncategorised

Stone & Wood’s Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer is back in 2025

If you’re waiting for the Strawberry Sundae Kisses beer to hit your lips, we’ve got good news! The creation for a good cause is back in 2023, and brewing is…

Find out more

Acknowledging our Corporate Volunteers this National Volunteer Week

Volunteering

Acknowledging our Corporate Volunteers this National Volunteer Week

This National Volunteer Week, we want to say a big thank you to our corporate volunteers who answer our call for help.

Find out more

National Volunteer Week Australia 2025: 'Connecting Communities'

Volunteering

National Volunteer Week Australia 2025: 'Connecting Communities'

National Volunteer Week 2025: Meet the incredible people who give their time and skills through The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation.

Find out more

It's Heart Week: Let’s Talk About the Health of Your Heart

Heart Disease

It's Heart Week: Let’s Talk About the Health of Your Heart

Discover how The Common Good is supporting world-leading heart health research at The Prince Charles Hospital this Heart Week.

Find out more

Chain Reaction Challenge 2025: Helping sick kids in Queensland

The Common Good

Chain Reaction Challenge 2025: Helping sick kids in Queensland

Cyclists ride 1000km in the Chain Reaction Challenge 2025 to fund Child Life Therapy program for sick kids at The Prince Charles Hospital.

Find out more