Imagine a routine trip to the GP with your child ending in a series of tests, immediate admission for further treatment, and the words that no parents want to hear; ‘your child has cancer’.

Each week a South Australian child battling cancer is referred to the Childhood Cancer Association for support. For many families grappling with a new diagnosis, the first assistance they receive is a hospital support pack. 

Our South Australian team members were eager to give back to their community during the Christmas period. Throughout November and December, they donated 150 toiletry items and packed almost 60 hospital support packs to provide assistance to South Australian families during a stressful time. 

The packs include practical items for the whole family, such as a toiletry bag filled with the essentials, a diary compendium, digital thermometer, a bedside game, plus Coles Myer vouchers and family entertainment passes.

Additionally, the sick child will be given a plush toy of Elliot the dog, the Childhood Cancer mascot and a friend to have by their side throughout their journey.

After weeks of busily preparing the donations, the team visited the Childhood Cancer Association offices today to deliver the gift packs, alongside a cheque for $50,000 to assist the Association help these families through the fight of their lives. 

The latest donation continues The Lott’s commitment to the Childhood Cancer Association and follows a $50,000 donation made in December 2019, which helped fund integral support services for sick kids and their families.

Childhood Cancer Association Chief Executive Cath O’Loughlin said the support packs were just one way to ensure families received the highest level of support during their hospital stay.

“The uncertainty a family faces at the time of diagnosis is very high and having some of the necessities required for an immediate admission can really take away some of the stress,” she said. 

“We rely on generous donations from the community to fill our hospital support packs, and are very thankful to volunteers for packing them for us.

“Thanks to The Lott, we have been able to have almost 60 hospital support packs ready and waiting to go to families in need over the coming months.

“Every hospital support pack we give to a family costs $400 and by receiving community donations that cost is greatly reduced. Thanks to The Lott for making such a valued contribution.”

We are thrilled to be able to continue our partnership with the Childhood Cancer Association and the inspiring work it does ensuring South Australian families have the support they need during such a stressful time.

The Lott is proud to offer our team members volunteer leave so staff can help causes in their communities they are passionate about.