Queensland Teachers’ Credit Union commit to work wonders for sick kids

Friday, 09 April 2010 12:14

Queensland Teacher's Credit Union (QTCU) was officially welcomed as a new major partner of the Royal Children's Hospital Foundation (RCHF) on Monday 29th March. They confirmed their commitment to working wonders for sick kids by handing over a giant balloon, symbolising a generous initial donation of $25, 000 towards respiratory research.

QTCU are supporting the Kids Breathe Easy program, which will aim to unlock the mysteries behind respiratory illness in children like Charlie (pictured).

RCHF Chief Executive Officer Karenlee Spillane said she was grateful for QTCU’s support.

“Respiratory disease is the most common reason for children to be admitted to hospital in Australia and money raised through Kids Breathe Easy will fund groundbreaking studies into childhood respiratory illness at the Queensland Children's Institute of Medical Research,” Ms Spillane said.

“Every dollar raised will help these researchers to continue working wonders for sick kids like Charlie.”

Charlie is the youngest of six children and was born with a rare respiratory condition which causes his windpipe to be critically narrow and excessively floppy.

Charlie’s Mum Minette said they spent about 90 nights at the Royal Children’s Hospital last year and it’s become like a second home.

“Charlie is a wonderful boy full of life and charisma, but sadly emergencies are all too common and even catching a common cold has potentially fatal implications for him,” Minette said.

“The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation has been a wonderful support since Charlie was born and facilities like the Wonder Factory have kept our other kids occupied during our many trips to hospital.”

While Charlie’s respiratory condition is extreme, the majority of Australian children will experience some sort of respiratory problem in their early years.

The average Australian infant will suffer between four and six respiratory infections in their first year of life and by two years of age 95 per cent of all children will have had a respiratory illness.

QTCU Chief Executive officer Mike Murphy said every child deserved to be able to breathe freely.

“Through our ongoing fundraising efforts and special events, we hope to make a valuable contribution to this groundbreaking respiratory research program and ultimately help find a cure,” Mr Murphy said.

“Queensland Teachers’ Credit Union is dedicated to giving back to the community and we feel privileged to be teaming up with Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation for such a great cause.”

For more information or to donate, please visit www.workingwonders.com.au/kidsbreatheeasy

For more information on Queensland Teachers’ Credit Union, please visit www.qtcu.com.au

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