Luncheon donation leads to a big screen sensation
PATIENTS at the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre are the beneficiaries of two new and much needed TVs at the Cairns Hospital unit.
The donation comes from the Connoisseurs Luncheon Group at Palm Cove, which holds a luncheon each month with a guest speaker.
Luncheon organiser Glenda Hardiman said the fundraiser was a “spur of the moment decision” at an April 29 lunch, held at Neptunes, Palm Cove.
“Two of my friends were undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for their particular cancers so we decided to hold a fundraiser at the luncheon,” Ms Hardiman said.
“After speaking with Jennifer Faulkner, nurse unit manager of the Liz Plummer Cancer Care Centre, we were advised they require two smart 55-inch televisions, as those previously being used were very small and outdated.
“One was required for the patient waiting room, as they have between 35 to 40 patients per day.
“The other would be used in the office for the educator nurse to go through treatments with new patients.
“This would now mean they can present PowerPoint information, which is easier for new patients to grasp and understand.”
Ms Hardiman said Ms Faulkner and another nurse, Sara Hurren, attended as guest speakers and both gave “extremely informative” talks about the different treatments and services available for cancer patients in the greater Cairns area.
Four other guests, currently undergoing treatment, also spoke of their cancer diagnosis and treatments.
“In just over an hour, thanks to the generosity of those in attendance and those who kindly donated gifts and vouchers as prizes, the amount raised was $2565.
“This was more than enough to purchase the two televisions with free delivery provided by Harvey Norman, Cairns.
“The remaining money will be donated to the COUCH Wellness Centre Cairns, which provides health, wellbeing and lifestyle support for Far North Queenslanders diagnosed and living with cancer.
“Patients there have requested mirrors in the new gymnasium, so we are very pleased to help that come to fruition.”
Ms Hardiman said the group of about 330 aimed to create social networks for retirees and met monthly.