December 19, 2024Soft toys, colouring books, puzzles, and games, all wrapped in vibrant, festive paper, showcasing the incredible kindness and generosity of the community, were recently delivered by ISS Facilities Services, to the Children’s Ward at Northern Hospital Epping. These delightful gifts brought smiles not only to the children but also to their families, spreading joy and Christmas cheer.
This year for the first time, presents will also be shared with children under the Families where a Parent has a Mental Illness (FaPMI) program. The FaPMI program has over 200 consumer parents.
Snezana Poposka – Facility Services Manager, started the Christmas Appeal in 2017 with a heartfelt mission to bring happiness to children during their hospital stay throughout the Christmas and New Year period. The idea was born almost seven years ago when Ms Poposka, a mother herself, felt deeply for the children spending Christmas in a hospital bed instead of at home with their loved ones.
Since then, the annual donation drive has grown with over 500 gifts now being donated. This wonderful tradition continues to grow, lighting up the holiday season for so many young patients and their families.
These heartfelt gifts, surpassing 100 each year, are lovingly contributed by the compassionate staff at ISS, Northern Health, and the local community. Ms Poposka expressed her deep gratitude to all the ISS and Northern Health staff, as well as the Northern Health Foundation, for their unwavering support and generosity throughout the years. She said, ” Your collective kindness has made a world of difference, bringing warmth and happiness to the children and their families during the holiday season.”
Alecia Caddy, Nurse Unit Manager – Ward 2 Paediatrics, said, “We are forever grateful to Snez and the amazing ISS Facilities Services team for their outstanding kindness and generosity, which has brought so much joy and happiness to children and their families in the hospital during Christmas, a time when they need it most. Their selflessness is a shining example of the true meaning of Christmas.”
Vicki Sarikoudis, FaPMI Co-ordinator, said, “The FaPMI program is extremely grateful to ISS Facilities Services, for their donation of gifts and toys – and our consumer parents and their children are excited to receive the gifts provided!”
Saj Amerasinghe, Key Account Manager, ISS Facility Services at Northern Health, had this to say, “This annual tradition is all about spreading holiday cheer to children during the festive season. Thanks to your incredible generosity, we’ve had the highest level of support this year.”
“Our heartfelt gratitude goes out to Northern Health staff, as well as the wider ISS teams, including the Melbourne Airport aviation team and our Melbourne Head Office, for their amazing support. The gifts will not only brighten Christmas for these children but also serve as a source of joy!”
“This initiative showcases the strength of our partnership with Northern Health, highlighting the compassion and dedication of everyone involved. We’re already looking forward to making next year’s appeal even bigger and better!”, Mr Amerasinghe added.
Christmas came early for Julian Raykovski , featured in our main image
