New Year Reflections: How kindness and legacy shape a brighter future for sick kids

5 January 2026 | Expected time to read: 4 minutes

Two people wearing aprons with the SCHF Art Program logo hold colorful drawings in front of a wooden slat wall.

As we step into 2026, many of us take time to reflect - on our families, our communities, and the future we want to help create.

At Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF), we recently captured a heartfelt conversation between two very special members of our community: Kate, a young SCHF patient ambassador, and Keith, one of our generous gifts in Wills supporters and long-time volunteer.

Their reflections remind us of the power of kindness, the importance of community, and the lasting impact that gift in Wills can create for generations of sick kids.

Meet Kate and Keith

Kate was just a regular, happy child until a diagnosis of liver disease changed everything. After two liver transplants, she is now ten years old and thriving - full of energy, ideas, and optimism for the year ahead.

Keith has supported SCHF for many years, contributing his time as a hospital volunteer, attending events, and updating his Will to leave a gift to SCHF. His commitment reflects a deep belief in helping children live healthier, happier lives.

Watch Kate and Keith share a special moment, drawing and dreaming about their wishes for the New Year.

Their New Year wishes

Kate: “My New Year’s resolution is pretty simple - I just want to spend more time with my family and friends. I always say ‘new year, new me’ - a fresh season of soccer, more nippers… and then suddenly it’s over again! My wish is that my friend Lily could live closer. And my wish for everyone else is for people to be kinder to each other.”  

Keith: “My resolution is to get more involved in the community. Volunteering feels like recreation to me - I genuinely enjoy it. There’s no downside to doing something kind. You’re helping someone else, and you’re helping yourself too.”

A conversation that inspires

Listening to Kate and Keith is such a powerful reminder of how kindness creates a lasting impact, the way a legacy can shape the future, and how shared dreams connect generations. Their conversation also highlights how simple acts of generosity today can help shape a better tomorrow.

Child sitting on a chair wearing a red shirt and apron, holding a drawing while other art materials and papers are on a small table nearby.

The lasting impact of gifts in Wills

Gifts in Wills ensure that kids like Kate - no matter their circumstances - can continue to receive world-class care. These gifts make it possible to invest in:  

  • cutting-edge research  
  • state-of-the-art treatments and equipment  
  • uplifting programs that support recovery  
  • services that care for families during their most challenging moments  

Every gift, large or small, becomes part of a legacy that creates lasting impact for future generations.

Looking ahead

Kate and Keith’s reflections remind us that the New Year brings opportunities to set intentions, reconnect with community, and consider the future we want to help shape. For many people, this includes reviewing their Will - a simple but important step in safeguarding what matters most.

If you’d like to learn more about gifts in Wills or access trusted Will-writing resources, please visit our Planned Giving Page.

Contact our friendly Planned Giving team

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