On 13 November, The Royal Hospital for Women Foundation will host its annual “Delivering Hope” Giving Day, aiming to raise vital funds for life-saving healthcare for women and newborns. This year, major and corporate donors have pledged to match every donation raised, doubling the impact of each dollar contributed.

Delivering Hope, the hospital’s most significant fundraising event of the year, will focus on generating support for specialised equipment, pioneering research, and essential programs for patients. “The funds raised on Giving Day each year are integral to the work we do at The Royal, with 80% of specialised medical equipment in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit being funded through donations,” said Foundation CEO Elise Jennings. “All donations – big or small – make a real difference to the lives of the women and newborns we care for here at The Royal.”

This year’s event will be a 12-hour telethon-style appeal, featuring live discussions with hospital clinicians, patients, ambassadors and public figures. NSW Health Minister Ryan Park will attend, highlighting the collaboration between public health and philanthropy, along with local representatives Dr Marjorie O’Neill and Matt Thistlewaite.

Panel discussions on topics such as women’s health in sports and female-driven philanthropy will be led by Foundation ambassadors, including Dr Jana Pittman and Matildas alumni, who will share their insights. Sydney Swans CEO Tom Harley, his wife Felicity Harley, and Sydney Swans players will also lend their support to the cause.

Since 2021, The Royal’s Giving Day has raised over $750,000, funding critical resources such as advanced NICU equipment, a postpartum clinic, and mental health support for expectant and new mothers. The Foundation has also introduced Australia’s first NICU milk nutrition services and enhanced NICU facilities to meet the needs of over 4,000 babies born at The Royal this year alone.

The Royal Hospital for Women, as New South Wales’ only dedicated women’s hospital, serves thousands of women across various health needs, including maternity, oncology, fertility, and Indigenous midwifery services. Jennings urged community support for Giving Day, emphasising, “Every donation on Giving Day provides life-changing treatment and support for women and newborns. No donation is too big or small.”