Staff at both Lismore Base Hospital were all smiles yesterday when they were treated to a free cuppa. 

The big ‘thank you’ to the Hospital Heroes of our community happened after local charity Our Kids put a call out for community donations in a show of support for the crucial work of health service staff. 

Paediatrician Dr Chris Ingall and Lismore Base Hospital Nurse Brett Zaferis were among the happy staff who received a free beverage.

Enjoying a cuppa is Dr Chaandini Subramanian, Dr Chris Ingall and Dr Tayla Potter.

Our Kids Fundraising Coordinator, Rebekka Battista said “there are so many unsung heroes who work for our hospitals”.

“They work in the background, they keep the place going, they take care of all of us when we are sick and we just wanted to say thank you,” Rebekka said. 

“This campaign has allowed the community to join with us to say a huge thank you during these tough times.

“Our Kids arranged for WHSmith Fresh+, the café operators inside the hospitals at Tweed and Lismore, to provide everyone on shift that day a hot beverage to say thank you.

Dr Tayla Pottter with Fresh+ Manager Tammy Vidler.

“The Our Kids charity raises funds to purchase paediatric equipment for our local hospital but due to COVID-19 fundraising events have been postponed. 

“So instead the Our Kids Family has been busy building community and championing our hospitals.”

Rebekka said the Our Kids family includes the Board and the Platinum Partners who are: Southern Cross University, Far North Coast Law Society, The Northern Star, Lismore Echo, Telstra, NBN TV, Events Party Hire, Hurford Hardwood, Byron Bay Coffee Company, Beach Byron Bay, Suzette Pearce, Damian Chapelle, Kevin Carter, Chris Ingall, Tanya Jones, Tania Kirkland, Luke Hoolihan, Sean Radburn and Rebekka Battista.

For more information on how you can help, contact the Our Kids Office on 0438 417 085. 

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