Our biggest Giving Day ever, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thanks to your generosity and support, more than $250,000 was raised, that’s a quarter of a million dollars to help children, adults and families in critical need.
From the early morning donations to the final tally in the evening, Giving Day is a reminder that small moments of generosity can add up to life‑changing impact.
That’s impact for families like Noah’s, whose lives changed without warning. After a mosquito bite turned into an aggressive infection, 8-year-old Noah required two emergency airlifts and intensive care. It was a frightening and uncertain time for Noah, Sharnee, and the entire Purcell family, but access to donor-funded vital medical equipment meant his life-saving care was available when it mattered most.
Every dollar raised on Giving Day helps give more families that same chance.
Every Donation Was Doubled
A huge thank you to our generous matched giving partners. Your support helped double donations throughout the day, inspiring even more people to give and ensuring every contribution went further.
Bringing Giving Day to life at GCUH
Giving Day at Gold Coast University Hospital was an all‑day celebration, brought to life by 102.9 Hot Tomato broadcasting live from the hospital forecourt to amplify the message of giving across our region. A live telethon ran throughout the day, with many amazing volunteers manning the phones, making calls and encouraging the community to get involved.
On site there was also an easter market stall, pop-up games, food vendors and more that elevated the atmosphere. From whip‑cracking demonstrations to ice‑cream treats, the day was filled with moments to remember. Gold Coast Hospital Foundation mascot Betty Get Better was also on the scene, providing energy and joy for everyone involved.
Celebrating Our First Giving Day at Robina Hospital
This year, we were incredibly proud to have an activation at Robina Hospital, marking the hospital’s first Giving Day involvement. The activation ran for half the day, and the energy and enthusiasm were unmistakable. Volunteers and supporters came together for a live telethon and raffle, creating a genuine buzz and a strong sense of pride in being part of Giving Day for the first time.
It was made even more special by a visit from Humphrey B. Bear, who brought smiles to everyone he came across, helping to create a warm and memorable first Giving Day experience at Robina Hospital.
Powered by the Generosity of Volunteers
Behind the scenes, more than 100 volunteers played a vital role in making Giving Day possible. Staff from across health services, businesses, community organisations and cafés came together to form dedicated fundraising teams, each working towards their own fundraising target through a friendly, shared sense of competition. These teams staffed the telethon phones in rotating shifts throughout the day, collectively driving donations and spreading the word of giving.
Across both hospital sites, volunteers also supported a wide range of on‑the‑ground and behind‑the‑scenes roles, including greeting visitors, assisting with stalls, coordinating food and coffee runs, and roving the precincts as fundraisers engaging with staff, visitors and the broader community.
We are deeply grateful to the businesses, community organisations, health staff, families and individuals who gave their time, energy and enthusiasm. Giving Day could not have been possible without the generosity of these volunteer teams, whose commitment and collaborative spirit helped turn goodwill into genuine impact.
The Impact
Every dollar raised on Giving Day will help directly impact children, adults and families in critical need.
Funds raised go towards:
- Purchasing vital medical equipment
- Supporting services such as cancer patient transport and emergency accommodation
- Enhancing hospital environments to make difficult moments feel more comforting
- Advancing research programs and scholarship initiatives that help improve health outcomes across the Gold Coast
An unexpected health crisis can affect anyone, at any time. Your contributions ensure that when those moments arise, support is there.
Giving Day 2026 wasn’t just about fundraising, it was about showing up for one another.
It was about conversations between strangers who became supporters. It was about volunteers stepping forward with enthusiasm. It was about families, staff and community members choosing to give, in ways big and small.
This is what true community looks like.
This is what showing up for each other looks like.
And this is the difference it makes.
From everyone at Gold Coast Hospital Foundation, thank you for being part of Giving Day 2026 and helping to ensure our community has access to the best possible health care when it is needed most. We couldn’t have done it without you.
If you didn’t get a chance to give on the day, please donate here.