By REBECCA BILLS
GIVING back is something that comes naturally for Mount Evelyn couple Jeff and Annette Bird.
Some 18 months ago, Mr Bird was diagnosed with bowel cancer and the family saw that the trauma waiting room at the hospital was in need of an upgrade.
Mr Bird’s daughter Kaylene Hager said the family wanted to help fund the upgrade of the trauma waiting room and make it bright and comforting.
“My dad has been going through bowel cancer for the last 18 months and now is suffering lung cancer,” she said.
“We have never raised money to pay for his bills, but we are looking to help all the other families out there.
“Our salon, Shear Obsession, has been raising money for The Alfred hospital for several months to do up the waiting room.”
Mrs Bird said almost six years ago the couple first sat in the trauma waiting room after a close friend’s son met with a car accident.
“We were going to a specialist appointment for Jeff some years later, and I said to him “you think someone would have done something about that area after all these years”,” she said.
Mr Bird said after that comment they had a discussion together and decided that they would be the someone and do something about finding out how to makeover the area.
“We were put in contact with the Alfred Foundation and a meeting was arranged for us to bring forth our ideas,” he said.
“We were warned that anything to do with health and safety involved a lot of red tape, planning and infection control to mention just a few hurdles.
“Our best advice was that we could contribute towards the cost and be involved in the project when it comes up.”
Alfred Foundation development manager Sally Stewart said the new space would be more comforting for the people who were waiting to hear verdicts.
“When you are waiting in that room you are often in a state of uncertainty waiting for the news on a patient you love and care for,” she said.
“We are immensely thankful for the family’s support and hope that the local Hills community feel a certain degree of ownership of the room.”
Mr Bird said so far they had raised around $5000 and that the upgrade was now underway.
“My work, Melbourne Safety Glass is kindly donating a significant amount of printed glass consisting of dandelions for the consultation room,” he said.
“This is saving thousands for the project and will make a really peaceful environment for those awaiting news of their loved ones.”
Shear Obsession Unisex Hairdressing is holding a Mother’s Day Raffle with all proceeds going to The Alfred hospital. A total of seven prizes are up for grabs, tickets are three for $2 and are available at the salon – 2 York Road, Mount Evelyn.
