2022 RQCC

2022 saw the return of the iconic RQCC charity boxing event! Once again, Pink Tank Events raised the bar for Australia’s most entertaining Red Carpet Charity Event. All fundraising expectations were exceeded on the evening, setting a new RQCC record of over $1.01M, going directly toward supporting local sick and disadvantaged children through ToyBox Australia!

Keep reading to learn more about how these funds were used to support local families.

PERTH CHILDRENS HOSPITAL

ToyBox Australia are proud continued supporters of Perth Children’s Hospital, WA’s specialist paediatric hospital and trauma centre. Through the incredible funds raised at RQCC 2022, ToyBox Australia were able to support the funding of the following equipment and programs:

Insulin pumps – There are over 1,100 children and their families currently living with Type 1 Diabetes and being cared for by the PCH Diabetes team. Approximately 50% of children in WA with T1D currently don’t use an insulin pump, and for some families, it is purely because they cannot afford this simple yet life-changing device. An insulin pump means the child’s blood glucose doesn’t need to be manually regulated every couple of hours, even during the night, and it removes the need for several injections each and every day. Whilst T1D is a life-long condition that needs constant management, an insulin pump removes some of the stress and gives these children a chance to live normal lives.

Music program for a year – Hospital can be a daunting and distressing experience, often leaving the child feeling lonely and anxious. The Music Therapy Program is an important and continued essential paediatric rehabilitation service for children with acquired brain injuries, spinal and neurological conditions offering a range of benefits, including supporting re-acquisition of physical skills, rehabilitation of speech, and promoting coping skills.

Automatic defibrillators - Children with heart rhythm disorders are at risk of sudden cardiac arrest at any time and must always carry an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) with them. However, it is desirable for school-aged children to have a second AED to keep at school, reducing the chance of delayed access to life-saving equipment when needed. With only one AED, there is a risk it may be left at home, and it is burdensome for the child to take it to school every day. A second AED will lessen the burden on school staff to manage the safety of these children. It will also ensure the child has an AED with them at the places they spend the most time – home and school – to ensure their safety in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest.

Smileyscopes – Smileyscopes VR goggles give children a warm distraction when undergoing difficult and often painful and distressing treatment. These medical-grade virtual reality headsets with immersive and sensory-congruent experiences are specifically designed for needle procedures and are proven to reduce pain by up to 60%

Play and Wait program for a year - Attending Perth Children’s Hospital (PCH) for an appointment can pose many challenges for children and their families. This can lead to children experiencing increased anticipatory anxiety, sometimes resulting in less than desirable behaviour and disturbances to others. It is well documented how play can be used to alleviate the stress experienced by children and their families during hospital experiences and has had great success at PCH. Volunteers provide children waiting for outpatient appointments with a range of play and engagement resources, such as individual colouring packs and Play-Doh. Not only do these activities help the child, they also provide respite for carers and support a positive experience at the hospital.

CAMP QUALITY

 Camp Quality’s Kids Camps give children facing cancer the chance to just be kids again. Kids experience time away from their parents, filled with friends who understand, new adventures, fun and optimism, to help build resilience and life skills. ToyBox Australia are a longstanding partner of Camp Quality and are thrilled to be able to increase their support this year.

YOUNGER HEROES

Younger Heroes are passionate about building family resilience and helping parents with high risk, high stress and time-invasive occupations to reconnect with their children. They achieve this by offering unique experiences for families to reconnect through quality time and guided programs, these experiences include family retreats, camping trips, workshops and more. The funding from RQCC 2022 supported 20 Younger Heroes camps, helping countless servicemen and women to reconnect with their families.

To learn how you can get involved in RQCC 2023 to help raise funds for these incredible organisations and more, visit pinktankevents.com.au or contact Sophia – sophia@toyboxaustralia.org

Thank you for #keepingtheToyBoxfull