Bear Cottage will receive $1 million in funds from the NSW Government following the Health Minister’s visit in July on the invitation of Manly MP Mike Baird.
“This is tremendous news – Bear Cottage is a magical place. There is no doubt that many vulnerable families will benefit from that $1 million,” Mr Baird said.
“Bear Cottage has moved me, as it has many others. I couldn’t believe that no Health Minister had ever been out to visit and the Government provided no funding even though it was the State’s only children’s hospice.
“When I spoke about Bear Cottage in Parliament in April I urged the Health Minister to visit. I knew if she saw it for herself she would be captured by the magic of the place.
“It was wonderful to receive a call from Reba Meagher yesterday afternoon with the news that she had just signed off on a $1 million cheque for Bear Cottage.
“Families around the State who have a child with a terminal illness will receive great comfort in knowing there is a place like Bear Cottage where they can go to escape.”
Bear Cottage opened in 2001 and provides palliative care, temporary respite, end of life care, and bereavement support to children with a terminal illness and their families.
“It cost $10 million to build Bear Cottage and this was raised entirely by the community and through corporate donations and each year it costs $1.5 million to operate.
“It has taken a while for the Government to come on board with their support. However I give full credit to Reba Meagher for ensuring Bear Cottage was looked after while she was Health Minister.
“There are many staff, nurses, volunteers and doctors who make Bear Cottage the amazing place it is and they deserve credit for this win today.
“As do the many supporters in the local community who put their hands in their pockets for Bear Cottage because they believe in the work they do.”
MEDIA: Lisa Harrington - 0406 726 880
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