The Greek Ladies Auxiliary of the Greek Orthodox Community of Saint Anna on the Gold Coast has once again demonstrated its longstanding commitment to supporting the local community, raising an impressive $18,200 for the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation at its annual fundraising morning tea.
Held earlier this month, the highly anticipated event attracted 140 guests from both the Greek and wider Gold Coast communities.
The annual morning tea has become a cherished tradition, bringing people together in support of an important local cause while enjoying a generous selection of handmade Greek savoury and sweet delicacies prepared by members of the Ladies Auxiliary.
Under the leadership of President Thalia Zakos, the Greek Ladies Auxiliary has been raising funds for the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation for the past 14 years.
Prior to this, the group directed its fundraising efforts towards Cancer Council Australia, continuing a long history of supporting cancer-related services and initiatives.
Funds raised this year will be directed towards the Gold Coast Hospital Foundation’s Cancer Patient Transport Service, which provides safe and reliable transport for patients travelling to life-saving treatments and essential medical appointments.
The service currently operates two vehicles, facilitating more than 3,700 trips annually across the Gold Coast at a cost exceeding $250,000 per year. Last year alone, the service ensured that between 75 and 80 patients each day were able to attend their chemotherapy appointments.
Among the special guests at this year’s event were Gold Coast Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Officer Russell Ousley and Head of Community Fundraising Jan Marie-Nicolai.
Both addressed attendees, highlighting the importance of the Cancer Patient Transport Service and the Foundation’s goal of adding a third vehicle to expand capacity to 5,000 patient trips each year.
Mr Ousley and Mrs Marie-Nicolai also acknowledged the significant contributions made by the Greek Ladies Auxiliary over many years. Previous donations from the group have assisted in the purchase of vital medical equipment, including Chemotherapy Home Infusion Pumps (CADD Pumps), and most recently contributed towards improvements to patient treatment spaces for individuals undergoing chemotherapy at Gold Coast University Hospital.
The event was officially opened by the President of the Greek Orthodox Community of Saint Anna, Sandra Voukelatos, who warmly welcomed guests and thanked attendees for their ongoing support of the annual fundraiser.
Guests also enjoyed an informative presentation from Dr Maria Florou of Casuarina Dental, who spoke about the important connection between oral health and overall health and wellbeing.
The success of this year’s event reflects the enduring generosity of the Greek community on the Gold Coast and the dedication of the Greek Ladies Auxiliary, whose fundraising efforts continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of local cancer patients and their families.
