MAKING a splash in the pool and community, Lou’s Swim School students were all smiles last week when they handed more than $1400 to the Mount Gambier Hospital’s Paediatric Unit.
In a special presentation at the Jubliee Motor Inn swimming pool, young swimmers met with Mount Gambier and Districts Health Advisory Council’s Maureen Klintberg, Dr Daham De Silva, Dr Matthias Wichmann and nurse Joanne Turley to present money raised during a swimathon late last year.
The fundraiser allowed not only the ability for children to give back to their community at a young age, but also generated conversation among each of the families involved, increasing their knowledge of the hospital and the unit’s purpose.
The swimmers and their families collectively raised $1450 for the hospital’s paediatric unit and Lou’s Swim School proprietor Louise Waters was impressed by the efforts shown by her students and their parents.
“You are never too young to understand what it means to give back to the community we live in and we decided the hospital’s paediatric unit was the perfect way for the children to help other young people in the area,” she said.
Students Hunter Wyatt, Jaxon Wyatt-Watt, Angus Robinson and their families raised the most money for the cause.
Ms Klintberg said it was “wonderful” to see the young swimmers excited about helping other children.
“It is extremely exciting to see the community take the time to involve children in the process of raising money and awareness of the hospital and its needs,” she said.
“The unit will benefit greatly from this contribution and events like these really show what a difference we can make for the hospital when we come together.
“We hope to continue this effort at our upcoming health advisory council fundraising golf day to be held on May 25.”
Dr Daham de Silva said the funds raised by the Lou’s Swim School community would be put towards beautifying the unit.
“We will us these funds to decorate the paediatric unit treatment room,” he said.
“The plan will make the space more child friendly and personalise the room for the patients.”
