Child life therapists and art therapists are a crucial part of caring for sick children. Both therapies play a huge part in reducing stress and anxiety associated with medical treatment and procedures and processing difficult emotions, not just for children but also their families.
Supporting these vital services at both Bear Cottage and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead has been EVOLHOPE. In 2024, EVOLHOPE passed the $500k giving milestone, and was recognised by SCHF as a Motivator in recognition of their generous support of children’s health.
EVOLHOPE is a trust set up in the name of George and Janet Parker, providing millions to various charities across Australia, with SCHF being one of five beneficiaries.
Over the last 21 years, EVOLHOPE has donated over $575,000 to Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation, and for the last decade they have supported the Art Therapist at Bear Cottage and a Child Life Therapy Assistant role at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.
The impact that EVOLHOPE has had on children and their families is immense. At Bear Cottage, the art therapist role provides meaningful therapeutic support to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, fostering creativity and emotional expression in a compassionate environment. This key role gives those who take part the opportunity to use the art-making process to express parts of their journey and to create lasting memories of their child. The art therapist also works with bereaved families to help them remember their child in a safe, therapeutic environment.
At The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, EVOLHOPE’s funding supports a Child Life Therapy Assistant, who manages the ‘Brightening Little Lives’ Activity Trolley program. This program travels across various wards, offering a range of play-based activities tailored to each child’s interests and developmental needs. The activities complement the patient’s treatment and therapies, giving kids choices and a sense of control over their environment and their care.
Both of these services, funded by EVOLHOPE, bring joy and hope to so many children and their families, brightening their days and fostering their creativity.
We would like to thank the trustees of the George and Janet Parker Memorial Fund, who oversee their legacy, for their generosity and compassion in helping us change the future for sick kids.
