On behalf of the patients, families and health staff – thank you!
This September, the Gold Coast came together to make a meaningful impact to those in critical need. We could not have achieved what we did without your incredible support and dedication.
An unexpected health crisis can happen at any time, and the donations made during Scrub up September will help children, adults and families facing these challenging moments.
It was inspiring to see the support – from the incredible staff who greeted customers with smiles and encouragement, the students and educators who rallied their schools, every volunteer who gave their time, and every community member who purchased heart tokens or donated. Thank you.
Together, we raised over $48,000 in support of Scrub Up September – a true reflection of the incredible power of locals helping locals.
Earth Markets Does It Again
Earth Markets has been a long-time valued supporter of Scrub Up September, and their dedication and leadership continue to inspire us. They’re a constant reminder of what’s possible when a partner truly believes in the charity they support. Across their five locations – Robina, Logan, The Pines, Burleigh, and Mermaid Waters – Earth Markets raised an incredible $21,997 through the sale of heart tokens and donations. Their team and customers showed extraordinary generosity, enthusiastically sharing stories and connecting through this wonderful appeal.
“As a proud local business, we’re honoured to stand alongside our community and the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation in supporting such an important cause,” said Brian Menke, General Manager of Earth Markets.
“Scrub Up September was about more than just fundraising; it was about locals helping locals. Our team and customers really rallied behind the cause, proving that small acts of generosity can come together to create a big impact for patients and families right here on the Gold Coast. We’re passionate about supporting the Foundation and proud to play our part in helping ensure local hospitals can continue providing the best possible care.”
Community-Wide Support
Scrub Up September is truly a community-wide effort, and we could not have achieved what we did without the glowing support from all our incredible partners. This year, we were thrilled to welcome Chempro Chemists as our newest retail partner. With six participating stores across the Gold Coast, Chempro staff and customers rallied behind the campaign, raising thousands in support of local patients and families. Their enthusiasm and shared commitment to improving health outcomes on the Gold Coast perfectly captured the spirit of Scrub Up September, and we’re so grateful to have them on board.
Alongside Chempro, we were honoured to have the support of Australia Fair, Little Miss T’s Café, The Commons, Little Scholars Early Learning, Sanctuary Early Learning, Carey Lane Early Learning, Saint Hilda’s, Saint Stephen’s College, Queensland Academies, Club Musgrave, Broadbeach Waters Pharmacy, Harmony in Health Orchestra, and all of our incredible vendors at Gold Coast University Hospital. To everyone who contributed their time, energy, and heart to this year’s campaign, we are forever grateful for your passion and commitment. Every effort, big or small, helped create an amazing wave of support, highlighting the generosity, spirit, and heart of the Gold Coast community.
Remembering Why: Sam’s Journey
This September, we shared Sam’s story, a brave three-year-old who faced Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Thanks to the kindness of our supporters throughout Scrub Up September, children like Sam will benefit from life-saving equipment, comforting spaces, and essential support, helping them through their most trying times.
From the Bravery Box toys that brightened his treatments to the upgraded Children’s Outpatients area where he rang hang his end of treatment bell, every donation made a real difference. Today, Sam is thriving, a powerful reminder of why your support matters and the lasting impact of every act of generosity.
The Impact of Your Support
Thanks to the community’s efforts, funds raised this September will continue to:
- Purchase vital medical equipment to support patient care
- Provide critical services such as cancer patient transport and emergency accommodation
- Enhance hospital environments to make vulnerable moments feel more comforting
- Fund critical studies that improve healthcare practices and patient outcomes
“The enthusiasm and generosity shown by our local community have helped raise an incredible amount that will make a real difference to patients and their families across the Gold Coast,” said Russell Ousley, CEO of the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation.
“Every dollar raised creates a new story; a patient whose recovery is made easier, a family who can stay close to a loved one, or a doctor who now has access to life-saving equipment when it truly matters. We’re deeply grateful to every supporter, including our amazing partners who joined us in this campaign.”
Together, We Make a Difference
Scrub Up September is a powerful reminder that when the Gold Coast comes together, we can create meaningful change. From every heart token sold to every volunteer hour given, the community’s efforts make a tangible difference for local patients like Sam.
From all of us at the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, thank you for helping us ensure our community has access to the best possible health care when it is needed most.