A GIANT for a night

27 September 2012

A generous opportunity was offered to the Foundation recently, from the GWS Giants.  As a community partner this year with the Giants we have received many generous offers for our donors and staff of the Hospital (including free tickets, gift packs and merchandise).  But, this was a particularly special treat.  Two volunteers from the Foundation, Phil and Tim, experienced a Greater Western Sydney Giants corporate session, with the team, a true night to remember!

"Upon arrival, we were given our Giants shirts, and guided to our personalised locker in the Giants locker room -- that was awesome, everyone loved that. We then spent time out in the middle of Skoda Stadium, kicking back and forth with several Giants players," said Phil.

After a short introduction from veteran AFL player Luke Power, the boys proceeded to participate in three training drills facilitated by several of the players: kicking, hand balling and goal kicking.  Then, to top it off, they got to participate in a nine aside game of AFL, followed by a word from the COO and an amazing roast dinner.  The fans were spoilt with footy love!

The experience was a great opportunity for someone who loves their footy to get a feel for the countries newest AFL club.

"They were really inspiring.  Seeing and hearing the passion from everyone in the club really gave a feeling of hope for their future success!"

A big thanks to the Giants for this great experience.

Depression Study

07 September 2012

The Brain Dynamics research team, just across the road at Westmead Millennium Institute are seeking participants for a 'Family Members of People with Depression'.

They are seeking participants who are the first degree relative (parent, brother, sister or child) of a person with Major Depression (unipolar) to participate.  Participants must not have experienced depression themselves, be well and aged between 12 and 65.

Their research is aimed at gaining a greater understanding of the factors that predispose and protect individuals against the symptoms of depression.  They will be examining all aspects of the mind, including thoughts and feelings, and how these interact with biological characteristics such as brain structure and function. Possibilities are endless in research, and this research will make a significant contribution to the quality of care and diagnosis available for individuals who experience depression

Your involvement would involve 6 hours of various assessments including:

• MRI scan
• EEG recording (both non-invasive brain measures)
• Computer based activities
• Questionnaires
• Blood test

Each component is voluntary.  Twelve months later you will be contacted for a short follow-up phone call and asked to complete a questionnaire online.

Participants will be reimbursed for their contribution.

If you are interested in participating in the study, or would like more information please contact Casey Evans on 02 8836 4000 or email Casey on casey.evans@wmrf.org.au

This research has been approved by the Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee.

Exciting volunteer opportunity at Wetmead

30 September 2011

In August, we launched our exciting My Westmead kiosk within the foyer at Westmead Hospital and we are looking for volunteers to help!

All funds raised going directly to Westmead Hospital for patient services and purchasing medical equipment to complement and enhance existing services.

Our new kiosk is filled with fun, fresh and colourful merchandise for sale, also takes cash donations, sells raffle tickets and is an opportunity for us to share our cause and passion with the public who come through the doors every day.

Practically, the volunteer opportunity offers flexibility in days and hours and a chance to be part of a great cause.

The kiosk provides all members of the community including hospital staff, patients and families the opportunity to interact with the My Westmead Program and support the hospital through purchasing merchandise and learning about the many community engagement opportunities the My Westmead program offers.

It would be fantastic to hear from anyone interested in volunteering at the kiosk, please contact Raphaelle on 02 8836 4025 to talk about this opportunity further or email volunteer@wmrf.org.au

My Westmead Charity Race Day

08 September 2011

Over the weekend, Belinda, Gail, Nicole, Joseph and Casey headed out to Hawkesbury Race Club to join over 300 supporters for our 'My Westmead Charity Race Day'.

The room was full, the sun was shining and everyone dug deep to fundraise for My Westmead and its great cause.

One of our greatest supporters and inspiring researcher, Associate Professor Wayne Hawthorne (right), shared with our guests his passion for research and treatment at Westmead.  A/Professor Hawthorne is Senior Research Fellow in the Department of Surgery, Westmead Hospital and works on surgical research into transplantation treatments for patients with Type 1 diabetes for Westmead Millennium Institute (learn more about his research).

Prof Hawthorne is a true example of the unique 'bench to bedside' approach to treatment at Westmead.

Guests at the event enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of the Hawkesbury and the beautiful outlook of the Blue Mountains as they made bets, sipped champagne and took part in many of the on day fundraising activities including; a raffle and live auction filled with fabulous prizes, 'It's a Bottler!' our 'My Westmead' water bottle raffle and 'Unlock the Party', where guests bought keys in the chance to unlock a wine fridge full of goodies.  Thank you to our MC Ross Hutchison for being a great host and encouraging guests to give to the great cause of My Westmead.

MC Ross Hutchison & Gail Ladner            Lucky key holders win the fridge!

Outside our committed volunteers (pictured below), Maggie and Steve from Parramatta Rotary ran fundraising activities to the public and the Granville Rotary made the crowd happy with a good old Aussie BBQ.

We want to thank all our sponsors without whom, the day would not be possible: Blacktown Workers Group, Loxley on Bellbird, Wenty Leagues Club, Jackateam Hawkesbury Race Club Board of Directors, Gallagher Hotel Management, Skin Fitness, Dyldam, Seven Hills Toongabbie RSL, Revesby Workers Club, Golf For All -- Penrith, Merrylands Bowling Club.

If you would like to know more about our Charity Race Day, or our My Westmead program, email us at mywestmead@wmrf.org.au

An Italian Festa, Trickstars and the NSW Premier

14 September 2010

A few of us here at the WMRF team headed off to Club Marconi today for their annual Italian Festa. We had a fantastic stall at the festa to promote our campaign Football Freestyling and brought along our talented friends Patrick and Kane from Trickstar to show the crowd some amazing football freestyle tricks.  

While we were roaming the crowds with Patrick and Kane, we ran into NSW Premier Kristina Keneally.  Ms Keneally was a great sport and got in on the action with our Trickstars -- only to fall on the wet ground after stumbling on some plastic behind her.  This didn't stop Ms Keneally, who laughed, brushed herself off and continued to joust with the trickstars.

A few cannolis later and plenty of crowd pleasing tricks from the Trickstar boys and the day was coming to an end.  Our sights were set on our next adventure at Club Marconi, the WMRF Football Freestyling clinics and World Record attempt by Trickstar Chris Beavon on Thursday.