A BIG thank you! Together, we raised $205,150 for The Prince Charles Hospital’s Giving Day!
What a BIG day for The Prince Charles Hospital and the Foundation
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, the hospital’s sixth annual Giving Day raised an amazing $205,150, smashing our original $150,000 target and helping make a meaningful difference for patients, families and the staff who care for them.
In 2026, Giving Day was BIGGER than ever. Not only was it held during Charlie’s Week, but it was also particularly significant as the Foundation marks its 40-year milestone.
It was made even more special with much-loved TPCH patient Big Jon Twartz joining us as our Giving Day Community Ambassador. Big Jon helped inspire others to GIVE BIG for the hospital he calls his second home by generously sharing his story of over 400 hospital admissions and surviving sepsis more than 20 times.
From generous donors and matched giving partners to hospital staff, volunteers and community supporters, everyone played a part in this remarkable result.
A BIG thank you to you all!
The impact of your generosity: Laughter Care and Comfort Packs
The $205,150 raised will help The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation fund initiatives that make a meaningful difference for patients and families, including an 18-month Laughter Care pilot program delivered in partnership with Clown Doctors Australia.
The program will support the emotional wellbeing and connection of older patients, particularly those living with dementia or experiencing social isolation.
“Through creative engagement, music, storytelling and playful humour, Laughter Care Specialists rekindle identity, spark joy and build bridges between residents, patients, families and care staff,” says Emma Pollard, Chief Executive Officer, Clown Doctors Australia.
Giving Day funds raised will also help provide Comfort Packs for vulnerable patients who arrive at hospital unexpectedly, often without their personal belongings. These packs are filled with everyday essentials and thoughtful items and help make what can be a difficult time a little more comfortable.
A BIG day for Charlie’s
Giving Day is held during The Prince Charles Hospital’s birthday week and is an opportunity to recognise the hospital, the people who care for patients and the community whose generosity helps make a difference.
This year was particularly special as The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation marked 40 years of supporting life-changing medical research and patient care initiatives.
The celebrations took place in the on-call car park outside Building 50, with this year’s Giving Day markets brought to life by VEND Marketplace, with a fantastic array of local stall holders and artisans from their Virginia and Annerley locations.
The day got off to a sizzling start with volunteers from Bracken Ridge Lions Club, who generously gave their time to fire up the BBQ and serve over 250 free sausages for hospital staff and visitors.
Our Giving Day Community Ambassador, Big Jon Twartz, who is also President of Bracken Ridge Central Lions Club, helped organise these wonderful volunteers, while Coles Kedron generously donated the sausages and bread.
Big Jon also brought along his friends from Bridge FM, where he hosts a community radio show, to broadcast live and play music throughout the day.
Food trucks, a balloon artist, photo booth and face painting added to the festivities, creating a vibrant atmosphere for hospital staff and visitors.
Sharing the stories behind the impact
One of the highlights of this year’s Giving Day was the opportunity to hear firsthand from patients, researchers and clinicians about the difference community generosity can make, with a full schedule of Q&A sessions held on the Giving Day Main Stage.
Throughout the day, special guests joined our MC, Carla Bignasca, host of 4BC Afternoons, to share their experiences, reflect on the Foundation’s history and highlight the impact of funds raised for The Prince Charles Hospital over the past 40 years.
Among them was Flora, a Laughter Care Specialist, who shared insights into the work of Clown Doctors Australia and the difference humour and connection can make in a hospital setting.
We also heard about the Grateful Patient Referral Program, which provides a way for patients and families who wish to express their thanks for the care they’ve received to give back through the Foundation.
These conversations were a reminder of what Giving Day is all about: the people, the care, the connection and the generosity that helps care for the hospital that cares for our community.
A BIG thank you to our partners and supporters
An incredible result like this doesn’t happen without the generosity of the business partners, community groups and individuals who get behind Giving Day.
From matched giving and raffle prizes to event services, fundraising activities and volunteer support, each and every contribution helped make this year’s Giving Day BIGGER than ever.
A heartfelt thank you to our Giving Day partners and supporters:
Together, we made Giving Day BIGGER than ever!
To everyone who donated, volunteered, shared our messages or supported Giving Day in any way, thank you.
Together, we raised an incredible $205,150, going well beyond our original $150,000 goal to help care for the hospital that cares for our community.
And while Giving Day may be over for another year, you can still make a difference for patients and families at The Prince Charles Hospital here.
