Hope to babies

By Shaun Inguanzo
SICK babies born at Dandenong Hospital will be given a new lease of life thanks to the fundraising efforts of a local business.
The Hartley family, who owns Hilton Manufacturing in Bangholme Road, is holding a Winter Wonderland fundraising dinner in July at Sandown Racecourse to raise the $35,000 needed for a baby resuscitation cot at Dandenong Hospital.
The hospital has been in urgent need of a cot that allows for in-built equipment to help nurture babies delivered sick back to full health, saving the lives of many.
Hilton Manufacturing director Margo Hartley said the company would pay for the event, to be compered by former Sale of the Century host Glen Ridge, to allow for ticket prices, donations, and auction takings to be given directly to the hospital.
Any money beyond the $35,000 will go to the African Mercy Ship, a mobile hospital that stops at ports along the African coast to treat suffering Third World people.
Mrs Hartley said the ship was staffed by volunteer doctors, surgeons and nurses from around the world.
Representatives from the Dandenong Hospital and Mercy Ship will be guest speakers on the night, which will be highlighted with entertainment by the Frank Bennet Big Brass Band, and Dandenong business identity Peter Williams taking the hammer to conduct the auction.
Mrs Hartley said the company did not want to reveal how much it was spending to run the function because the night was about charity and the organisations it was raising money for.
“The company has been blessed in Dandneong, we’ve been here for over 30 years running. We’re community minded, and because I have a little bit of involvement at Dandenong Hospital, I heard about the cot and thought there’s our opportunity to step out and take on a challenge,” she said.
Southern Health, operator of the Dandenong Hospital, said it was in awe of Hilton Manufacturing’s willingness to organise a fundraiser.
Dandenong Hospital nursing director Jane Poxon said it was fantastic to see local businesses supporting their hospital.
“The addition of this baby resuscitation cot will certainly benefit a number of babies who are sick at the time of delivery,” she said.
“The cots have in-built resuscitation equipment and a radiant warmer for babies if they require oxygen, need intubation or an intravenous drip inserted. We are very grateful for this kind support.”
Mrs Hartley said tickets were selling fast but were still available at $100 per head or $1000 per table. The Winter Wonderland dinner will be held on Friday 18 July at Sandown Racecourse. Contact Hilton Manufacturing on 8791 9400.