Firm helps ease delivery

By Melissa Meehan
DANDENONG’S Hilton Manufacturing has given back to their community, raising $35,000 for their local hospital’s birthing suite.
Margo and Tom Hartley, owners of the sheet metal business, said they decided they wanted to give something back to the community after being in business for over 35 years.
“Dandenong Hospital has always held an important place in our heart,” Mrs Hartley said.
“Both of our sons were born here, and we couldn’t think of a better place to give back to the community.”
Mrs Hartley said she had built a friendship with the hospital’s pastor at her church.
“We learnt of stories of some new mothers bringing a dress to the hospital to wrap their babies in because they couldn’t afford blankets,” she said.
“So together as a church we put together some care packages for the new mothers.”
She said after she spoke with nurses in the hospital’s birthing suite she organised the Hilton Gala Charity Auction Dinner.
The aim of the gala was to be able to provide a resuscitation cot for the unit.
“It was amazing, we were able to raise $70,000 so we were able to give half each to the hospital and the Mercy Ship overseas,” Mrs Hartley said.
Mr Hartley said that it was important for him and his wife to be able to donate something that would save lives.
“We didn’t want to put money into administration and that’s why we gave the money to the birthing suite,” he said.
“But I would just like to say, we haven’t finished yet!”
Southern Health CEO Shelly Park praised the efforts of the Hartley family.
“It is so important and appreciated that we can show our commitment to the community through our relationships with local business,” Ms Park said.
“This not only gives us a world-class piece of equipment, but will change the lives of many.
“In the last year we had 2700 births at Dandenong Hospital, and out of those 30 per cent would have used a piece of equipment similar to this.”