South Australian parliamentarians came together at Parliament House on Tuesday 10 November to launch the Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation’s 2026 Christmas Appeal, Every Chance This Christmas, and kick off the annual Community Toy Drive.
Held in the historic Old Chamber, the special event brought together representatives from the South Australian Government and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital Network to shine a light on the children and families who would spend Christmas in hospital.
At the heart of the event was a story shared by Jacinta and Steve with their baby daughter Charlotte, who shared their personal experience of spending Christmas in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Their story was a powerful reminder that while Christmas is traditionally a time for families to come together, for some parents it looks very different, spent beside a hospital cot, navigating uncertainty and hoping for the best possible outcome for their child.
WCH Foundation CEO Verity Gobbett officially launched the Every Chance This Christmas Appeal, highlighting the importance of ensuring children and families receiving care at the WCHN feel supported, cared for and remembered during the festive season.
Guests also took part in the annual Community Toy Drive, contributing gifts that would help bring some extra Christmas magic to children spending time in hospital.
The festive spirit continued as attendees wrote messages of encouragement and support on commemorative Christmas baubles, sharing a little love with the children and families who would be spending the holiday season away from home.
Every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of Christmas, no matter where they are spending it. Whether through a donation or a contribution to the Community Toy Drive, every act of generosity helps show families that they are not alone during what can be an incredibly challenging time.
To support the WCH Foundation Christmas Appeal, click here.
