CHRIS SYMONS Chair
from the chair
WOW what a year for the Tasmanian Hospitality Association Foundation. 2017 has seen the foundation donated $24,000 to children and families in need taking our overall donations to $70,000. In 2017 we have made donations to 28 individual children as well as three donations that will have a positive impact on a large number of children. This level of support would not have been possible without the support and commitment of our hospitality sector. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the wonderful businesses that have made donations to support our events in particular the Kalis Group who again arranged the corporate dinner which is our major fundraiser. In addition I would like to thank the board and THA staff, with special mention to Leanne Blackwell, for their work that has allowed this work to make such a difference. Finally I would like to thank all the venues who have gone out of their way to support our donation handovers. If you have not visited our Facebook page www.facebook.com/thatfoundation please do so and share with as many people as possible. THAT Donations Below are some of the donations we have made during August and September. Donation 1.
Crystal Smith is a 9 year old who has been diagnosed with ASD and ADHD. Crystal loves writing stories and using descriptive language and required a laptop to support her schoolwork and literacy development. A big thanks to the Grand Hotel in Huonville for supporting this handover.
Donation 2. Jacob is a three year old boy with a chromosomal deletion and associated significant developmental delays. Jacob needed an I-pad to support his communication. Thanks to Early Childhood Intervention Service for supporting this handover.
Donation 3. Chelsea is 7 years old and was born limp and spent two weeks in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Despite numerous invasive tests, Chelsea’s condition was undiagnosed and still to date Chelsea is unable to walk, talk, feed or toilet herself. She requires around the clock care. Doctors have confirmed that Chelsea has scoliosis and severe developmental delay. Chelsea requires assistance with every aspect of her life; from feeding to dressing and bathing. Chelsea has regular seizures and has been hospitalised over 30 times in her short life, including having a VP shunt inserted to drain excess fluid from her brain. Chelsea requires a full splint body suit (second skin) for support and to stop her back from curving any further. Sadly there is no government funding to support this and the family have to self-fund weekly
physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy. As Chelsea grows she requires upgrades to her wheelchair, second skin and numerous other necessities. These all have to be paid for by the family so we were more than happy to be able to support in a small way. If you know of any children requiring assistance and/or would like to make a positive difference in a child’s life through joining the board, support with donations and/or would like to support our events please do not hesitate to contact me (0408 075 734 or csymons@goodstart.org.au ) or contact the THA directly.
December 2017 www.australianhotels.asn.au
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