Geelong Hospital Appeal ambassadors Denis Walter and Tom Lonergan and paediatrician Dr Kym Anderson helped launch the new year of fundraising. The launch event was held in February at Deakin University Waterfront Campus.

With a special connection to Geelong Hospital, Tom Lonergan said he was pleased to be part of the launch

" I'm very grateful for the care that I recieved in Geelong Hospital so it's a privilege to be a Barwon Health Foundation ambassador. It was exciting to be part of the launch and I encourage everyone to get on-board and support the Geelong Hospital Appeal this year" Tom said.

Tom experienced first hand the services of Geelong Hospital when he was rushed to emergency in 2006 with a kidney injury during a Geelong Cats game.

Barwon Health Foundation Executive Director, Gavin Seidel, encourages the community to support the Geelong Hospital Appeal this year. There are many opportunities to help by attending an event, volunteering or holding your own fundraising event.

Funds raised by the Geelong Hospital Appeal support Barwon Health’s services and facilities including Geelong Hospital, the McKellar Centre, Andrew Love Cancer Centre and community health centres.

The major focus of the appeal in 2012 is the completion of the $7.8 million Cotton On Foundation Children’s Ward Redevelopment at Geelong Hospital. Works this year include the refurbishment of the final overnight rooms with ensuites, a new parents’ room, reception space and specialist oncology treatment room in the ward. The Redevelopment is expected to be completed early 2013.   

The launch was also a celebration of the accomplishments of 2011. Last year the Barwon Health Foundation distributed approximately $1.2 million of donations to purchase medical equipment across Barwon Health. With support from the Cotton On Foundation, more than $2 million was also expended on the middle stages of the Children’s Ward Redevelopment.