Recently Hope4Health raised an incredible $1400 for Radio Lollipop Gold Coast through running an Op Shop Ball.
The Ball was organised by Hope4Health members Alex Nesbitt, Tom Meares and Warren Fayers, all first year medical students at Griffith University with the guidance and advice of Marrillo Jayasuriya, a third year student.
The idea of an Op Shop Ball started out as the boys wore what they called fun shirts to Uni on Friday’s as a way to have a bit of a laugh. They soon realised that people wanted excuses to go out and buy exciting, fun clothes, so they organised a Fun Shirt Friday for all the first year medical students. Around the same time, they heard about the great work Radio Lollipop was doing at the hospital and were inspired to come up with a way to support us. Everyone loves dressing up like fools, and everyone loves supporting charity especially children, so it was a logical combination! explained Alex Nesbitt of Hope4Health.
Around 130 people turned up for the event wearing their best Op Shop finds supporting both the local Op Shops in the area and Radio Lollipop through ticket sales. Prizes were drawn for the best dressed and it was a great night had by all. Hope4Health also had a small sale of their favourite Op Shop clothes from the Ball during lunchtime at Griffith University, with all profits being donated to Radio Lollipop.
Hope4Health is a non-profit organisation and registered charity which aims to improve health outcomes for local, rural, indigenous and international communities. It was founded in 2006 and since then has been run and operated by Griffith University medical, dental and allied health students. Hope4Health believes in making a difference in any way possible, whether it is a large or small scale.
Radio Lollipop and Hope4Health share common goals, and also share the values of fun and enjoyment while aiming to make a difference in the local community. With a large proportion of Hope4Healths members being Griffith University medical students who learn their trade in the Gold Coast Hospital, it seems only natural that we jump on board and support a local charity who are doing such good work in our own backyard, Alex shared. There are also exciting times ahead with the move into the new Gold Coast University Hospital, and we at Hope4Health believe this presents a great opportunity to forge a continuing relationship.
Hope4Health have provided volunteers for many Radio Lollipop Fundraisers throughout 2012 and we are extremely appreciative for all their help and look forward to having them partner with us for many years to come.
For more information about Hope4Health please visit their website www.hope4health.org.au