Now is your opportunity to get your hands on a framed and signed 2021 Brisbane Broncos Men’s Team Jersey and the best part is you will be helping local families in hospital in the process.
The Ipswich Hospital Foundation (IHF) has teamed up with the Brisbane Broncos for a raffle to win the jersey valued at $1,500.
Funds raised from the raffle will be used for new parent chairs – which are worth more than $4,000 each – in the children’s health areas of local hospitals.
The parent chairs double as a fold-down bed for families staying overnight in hospitals.
Raffle tickets are now on sale at www.ihfoundation.org.au for one for $5 or three for $10.
Brisbane Broncos Women captain and Ipswich local Ali Brigginshaw has thrown her support behind the raffle.
“It’s so important that a club like the Brisbane Broncos give back to the local community,” Ms Brigginshaw said.
“These chairs will make such a difference for parents going through a really tough time, so we are so glad we can help towards this.
“As a proud Ipswich local, I love to give back to those in my community and working with the hospital foundation is a great opportunity.
“I encourage everyone to buy a ticket and support a very worthy cause.”
IHF chief executive officer James Sturges urged the Ipswich community to get involved.
“Spending time in hospital with your sick kids can often be a stressful time, especially when you need to stay overnight,” he said.
“With our community’s support, we can make the stay for parents in hospital with their sick kids just a little more comfortable.
“Your support will be directly improving the patient and visitor experience at our local hospitals.”
The raffle will be drawn on Monday, 31 May.
Lisa’s story: what your support means to local families
Ipswich mum Lisa Campos knows first-hand how important these chairs really are to local families.
“We were very fortunate that our youngest only had short term stays in Ipswich Hospital,” she said.
“When kids are in a situation when they are in pain, they’re in a scary place and don’t really know what’s going on, it’s nice to have someone there for them.
“My husband and I would take turns staying overnight so one of us could go home.
“We were fortunate enough to have one of the chairs that folded down bedside.”
“It seems like something so simple.
“It’s just a chair, but it made such a massive difference.”
Drawing from her own experiences, Ms Campos now urges others to help out and donate, just like she has.
“At the time when we were there, we noticed there was a particular patient that was having a hard time,” Ms Campos said.
“I contacted the hospital foundation about what we could do, and we donated toys.
“We’re not wealthy people but at the end of the day, if you’ve got some money to spare, consider purchasing a fundraising raffle ticket or make a donation and that way, we can help numerous people.
“We’ve all had a really tough year and lot of people have struggled.
“I hope all locals will get behind this great cause.
“Even a $5 raffle ticket or $10 donation can go a long way.
“It all adds up.”
