The poppies will be sold from Thursday 23 April so that staff and visitors can buy a poppy to salute the memory of those who died or suffered in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations, as well as show gratitude for serving Australian Defence Force members and veterans.
Funds raised from poppy sales, Anzac biscuits and other crafts will go towards Gallipoli Medical Research’s Veteran Health program, which undertakes vital medical research to support veterans and their families.
One of the volunteers from the Cancer Wellness Group, Sue Schwartz, said she was looking forward to selling them at the stall.
“We really enjoy making the poppies. We have a little assembly line going and many hands make light work,” Sue said.
“We also make purple poppies to honour the animals killed in war. A lot of community members who have also donated crocheted poppies.”
Gallipoli Medical Research CEO Miriam Kent said it was a project that benefitted everyone involved.
“It’s a wonderful tradition for the Cancer Wellness Group to take up as a project. It gives hospital visitors a chance to commemorate Anzac Day, and it raises funds that will help veterans and families of veterans.
“It’s very generous of the volunteers to give their time and energy to create the poppies and sell them at the hospital stall, knowing it will go towards a great cause,” Miriam said.
Greenslopes Private Hospital CEO Justin Greenwell said nearly 15,000 patients undergo cancer treatment at the hospital’s Cyril Gilbert Cancer Centre each year.
“We’re so pleased that our patients undergoing cancer treatment have the additional support of the Cancer Wellness Program,” Justin said.
“The hospital was built as an Australian General Military Hospital during WWII, then made a repatriation hospital in 1947. Today, Greenslopes Private Hospital continues to care for our veterans of all ages,” he said.
Funded by Gallipoli Medical Research and established in 2017, the Cancer Wellness Program equips patients and their families with the advice, resources and support they need for a smoother pathway through treatment and beyond.
More than 400 people participated in 53 sessions last year. Participants joined 18 creative sessions, where they created resin platters, kokedama, clocks, soap and candles. They also joined education, exercise and social sessions to support their wellbeing during cancer treatment.