When you think of Christmas, you probably think of gifts wrapped in ribbons, waiting under the tree. But for families spending the holidays in hospital, the best gift they could ever receive isn’t something you can buy in a store, it’s knowing their child has the chance to see another Christmas.  

Right now, sick kids across New South Wales will spend Christmas hooked up to machines, receiving life-saving treatments, or waiting for the results of critical tests. Their family will be by their side, hoping for nothing more than another Christmas together. 

That’s why this Christmas, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation is asking you to give the most meaningful gift of all, the gift of a brighter future. Your generosity can help fund cutting-edge research, state-of-the-art equipment, and the world-class care that sick kids need, not just at Christmas, but every single day. 

Donate now to change the future for sick kids. 

Meet Abigail – a tiny fighter with a huge spirit  

Abigail's family know all too well what it means to spend Christmas in hospital. Born during the 2021 lockdowns, she arrived via emergency c-section and spent her first weeks in the NICU. 

Her parents thought the worst was behind them until one terrifying day when Abigail suddenly turned blue in her mother’s arms. 

Doctors rushed to save her life, and she was transferred by the NETS team to Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. Her parents were told she might not survive the night. 

Abigail was later diagnosed with hypopituitarism, a rare and lifelong condition where the body can’t produce enough hormones to survive. There’s no cure, but thanks to world-leading care, daily medication, and groundbreaking research happening right here in Sydney, Abigail is now thriving. 

Her story is proof of what’s possible when the community comes together. But thousands of kids are still waiting for answers, and we can’t reach them without you. 

Read Abigail’s full story and see how your donation makes a difference. 

How you can get involved this Christmas   

There are so many ways to spread joy and make a difference this Christmas: 

• Make a donation: Visit schf.org.au to make a tax-deductible donation and help fund vital care and research. This year, we’re encouraging supporters to choose treatment over toys by giving a life-changing gift that helps sick kids right across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network. 

• Join us on Giving Day – Tuesday 2 December: Every donation you make on this special day will be doubled thanks to our generous dollar matcher DOOLEYS, meaning your gift goes twice as far. Plus, visit SCHF’s Christmas celebration in Martin Place for a festive activation filled with giveaways, fun activities, and a joyful explosion of purple that celebrates the spirit of giving. 

• Share your support: Use your social media to raise awareness. Share stories, tag SCHF @schf.kids, and encourage your friends and family to get involved. 

• Light up for sick kids: Join Lights for Kids by decorating your house (or your whole street) with festive lights and fundraising for SCHF. Register at Lights for Kids.

Not into decorating? No problem! Visit the Lights for Kids map to find the most dazzling homes across Sydney and support the cause while enjoying the magic of Christmas. 

This Christmas, you have the power to give the most precious gift of all: hope. Hope for children like Abigail. Hope for families spending the holidays in hospital. Hope for a brighter future for every sick kid. 

Donate today and help bring the magic of Christmas when it’s needed most.