COFFS Harbour Base Hospital Children’s Ward has received a cheque for more than $13,000 as the beneficiary of the inaugural Ciao Coffs Festa Italiana, held at Coffs Harbour Racecourse last Saturday.
Thanks to the outstanding success of the festival, the generosity of the business community and significant sponsorships, the amount raised exceeded the organisers’ expectations and delighted the team heading up the Children’s Ward.
Top of their shopping list is a Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine.
“Our equipment is old and needs upgrading and the new machine will cover all ages,” Nurse Unit Manager of the Children’s Ward Lisa Hammond told News Of The Area.
The current machine covers patients up to 10 kilograms, while the new machine caters to all age ranges.
Head of Paediatric Department Stephanie White told NOTA it is a phenomenal opportunity.
“We’re experiencing a post-COVID phenomenon of higher rates of respiratory conditions and influenza which can impact kids,” Dr White said.
“This new machine means we can support care here and avoid transfer transport to tertiary children’s hospital intensive care, in Newcastle or Sydney, keeping families together.”
Coffs Coast Italian Heritage Group (CCIHG) Vice President Franco Maione told NOTA that the funding completes the circle of support for the Ciao Festa.
“All generations came and enjoyed Festa; we saw young people through to their grandparents viewing the history wall and taking part in all the activities on the day, and now with the funding the festival is supporting children and their families through the new piece of equipment.”
The total donated was $13,024, which was raised through games, food and entry.
“We were overwhelmed by the support,” CCIHG Treasurer Daniela Martignago said.
“Dollar by dollar, selling sausages, crostoli, castagne (chestnuts), along with entertainment we reached this amazing total.
“I was on the entry door for a while and one man came up and asked, ‘are you selling chestnuts?’ and when I replied, ‘yes’ he said, ‘OK I’ll come in’.”
CCIHG member Egidio Basso said he was transfixed by the amount of people attending and their emotions for the gathering.
“There were all generations with tears in their eyes; all interested in their Italian roots and happy to take part.”
The CCIHG members attending the cheque presentation, Franco, Daniela and Egidio, paid tribute to the team effort and their different skills in bringing it all together for the first Ciao Festa.
“We have launched a survey to get feedback that we can work on for next year,” Ms Martignano said.
The date for Ciao Festa 2027 will be set soon, Mr Maione said.
By Andrea FERRARI
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