Making a donation to a cause close to your heart can be a deeply personal gesture. We are genuinely grateful when donors share their stories with us, and give us an insight into why they choose to give.
Donations from generous individuals, families and organisations directly support the facilities, equipment and care for people in our hospitals and services. In this edition, we are privileged to share the giving stories of Piacentini & Son, an earthmoving and transport company in WA’s South West.
The generosity of Piacentini & Son and their employees, through their Workplace Giving Program, has provided crucial support for cancer patients experiencing financial hardship related to their cancer treatment. We call this support a ‘Gift of Hope’.
“Through supporting Gifts of Hope, we have been able to assist people at often the most vulnerable moment of their lives,” said Alison Piacentini.
“It’s great to know we have been able to make a difference.”
In honour of the many Australians diagnosed with breast cancer each year, Piacentini & Son has also painted a new Panther Series II Low Loader vehicle completely pink. Affectionately known as the ‘Pink Panther’, this vehicle symbolises the community’s fundraising efforts. Over $105,000 has been raised through raffles, events and merchandise sales for breast cancer treatments and care at St John of God Bunbury Hospital.
Thanks to the incredible efforts of the Piacentini & Son community, these funds will support the establishment of a metastatic nurse to assist regional breast cancer patients with terminal diagnoses.
Additionally, the funds will help purchase a chemotherapy cooling cap and a SOZO machine to address lymphedema issues. Alison says that they felt inspired to give after experiencing firsthand the amazing care at St John of God Bunbury Hospital.
“Unfortunately, many of our employees have personally experienced firsthand or been witness to the insidious disease of breast cancer and its impact on loved ones,” said Alison Piacentini.
“We felt inspired to support cancer care at St John of God Bunbury Hospital because we believe in supporting organisations in the regions primarily where we provide employment to allow for care and treatment in familiar surrounds, whilst remaining close to family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
Our sincere thanks to the entire Piacentini & Son team for their generosity and dedication to supporting the South West community.
Please visit www.sjogfoundation.org.au/hope to donate to the Gifts of Hope program for cancer patients.
Pictured: St John of God Bunbury Hospital caregivers and Piacentini & Son staff posing with the ‘Pink Panther’