Bendigo Health has launched its Christmas Appeal, which will this year raise funds for valuable paediatric rehabilitation equipment.
Donations will go toward a specialised and permanent rehabilitation therapy space for children from across the Loddon Mallee region.
More than 100 children are treated by Bendigo Health’s rehabilitation services at any one time and for these children the best therapy happens during play.
Four-year-old Amelia Pinchbeck was born with cerebral palsy after suffering a stroke in the womb.
Her regular rehabilitation treatments began at Bendigo Health at just nine months of age.
Amelia’s mother, Jennifer, urged the community to get behind the appeal.
“This is a great initiative and will support so many children who have difficulty with movement,” she said.
Bendigo Health’s Fundraising and Foundation Manger, Rachel Mason urged the local community to support the annual Christmas Appeal.
“Having therapy locally is extremely important to families,” she said.
“The impacts of COVID-19 have highlighted the need to have quality medical care and treatments available in our region, limiting the need to travel to large metropolitan centres like Melbourne.”
Bendigo Health’s rehabilitation services aim to help children to improve their function following major injury, illness or medical procedures so they can enjoy physical play at home, in playgrounds and at school.
Donations to the Bendigo Health Christmas Appeal can be made at www.bendigohealth.org.au/christmas or in any local Bendigo Bank branch.
