After 35 years, The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation is stepping away from the Ekka Strawberry Sundae program.
The Chermside-based medical research charity cited rising costs, increased risks, and difficulties in recruiting thousands of volunteers each year as the reasons behind its decision.
Steve Francia, Chief Executive Officer of The Princes Charles Hospital Foundation, said, “This wasn’t an easy decision to make, but we’re confident it’s the right one.”
“By transitioning away from this program, we can focus even more on initiatives that can make the biggest impact in people’s lives,” he said. “It’s about using our resources in the most efficient way to make a real difference where it’s needed most.”
Continuing the Mission Beyond the Ekka
The Ekka Strawberry Sundae program began in the late 1980s and evolved into a major operation requiring nine months of planning and the coordination of five busy sites and over 2000 volunteers annually.
The program has contributed to funding key initiatives, including the ICU of The Future, a village-like community space for patients within the specialist dementia care unit, and medical research for a new method of transporting donor hearts across the country.
Strawberry sundaes will still be served at the Ekka, with the not-for-profit RNA operating all locations.
People can continue supporting The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation by volunteering, donating, and fundraising for other initiatives, including the Tour de Brisbane in April.
For more information, visit www.thecommongood.org.au or www.tcg.org.au/strawberry-sundae
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