Pyjama day helps sick kids

Bank of Queensland staff member Clair Bugler dons her PJs in support of Banking on our Kids.

Max Fleet BUNBOQ

BANK customers would be forgiven for thinking they were dreaming when they went about their daily business at the Bank of Queensland Bundaberg and Bundaberg West last Friday .

The teams at both banks ironed their flannelette pyjamas and shined up their slippers to help launch the bank’s annual children’s hospitals appeal.

Staff wore their PJs to work to launch BoQ’s Banking on Kids appeal, which aims to get sick Aussie kids back into their own beds at home more quickly.

BoQ Bundaberg owner and manager Peter Glover said the appeal was unique as the one donation would go to help five different hospitals across the country.

“Because money donated to Banking on our Kids goes to Children’s Hospital Foundations Australia, which is a partnership of major children’s hospitals in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide, by donating once you’re actually helping sick and injured kids right around the country,” Mr Glover said.

“And it’s not just he kids in capital cities you’re helping either, more than 50% of admissions at these hospitals over the past year were from kids in regional areas who have had to visit their capital city for treatment.

“We think it’s a great appeal and are hoping to make 2011 our biggest year yet.

“In fact, if we can raise more than $275,000 around the country this year, we will have raised a total of $1,000,000 since launching the appeal in 2004.”

BoQ Bundaberg West branch manager Glen Watson said the local teams were excited to dress up for the day and throw their support behind the appeal.

“Banking on our Kids is very close to our hearts because we’re all children, parents, grandparents, uncles, or aunties,” Mr Watson said.

“We understand that bedtime is a special time for children and parents; even bad days are cured by story-time and goodnight kisses.

“And sick kids in hospital aren’t just battling illnesses; they’re also battling home-sickness.

“Every kid wants to be at home getting tucked in by mum and dad; to be surrounded by their own toys and be in their own bed.

“So that’s why we’re urging people to get behind the appeal and help sick kids get back to their own beds, quicker.”