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4. - Firefighters raise half a million dollars for kids with burn injuries - Westmead

- Firefighters raise half a million dollars for kids with burn injuries - Westmead

Published: 26 Jun 2025 06:58pm

Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters and administration staff have raised a record-breaking amount for children who have sustained burn injuries.

‘Firefighters For The Burns Unit Incorporated’, the registered charitable organisation established by FRNSW Firefighters, today presented a cheque for $523,247 to the Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation (SCHF) at FRNSW’s official number ‘002’ Station, The Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead.

The staggering total is the culmination of its two charitable fundraising arms; The ‘Firefighters Burns Unit Fund’ and ‘Beat the Burn’.

As of June 2025, the ‘Firefighter's Burns Unit Fund’ comprises more than three thousand FRNSW personnel who contribute over $200,000 dollars annually through fortnightly payroll deductions.

Over the past 12 months, the ‘Beat The Burn’ fundraising initiative has included dozens of public fundraising events such as City2Surf, FRNSW’s Open Day, and the group’s annual five-day event in Jindabyne that allows fundraisers to cycle, run, hike, mountain bike and paddle for the cause.

SCHF works in collaboration with Firefighter’s For The Burns Unit’s committee to allocate the funds, ensuring the money raised is as impactful as possible.

In previous years, the funds raised have funded a specialist burns anaesthetist, burns physiotherapists, and a research manager, as well as a specialist laser machine, and training for regional nurses to ensure kids across the state get access to the best possible care.

This year, the donation will go towards funding specialised pieces of equipment and innovative treatments for the newly refurbished Burns Unit, which is set to open in 2026.

To learn more about ‘Firefighters For The Burns Unit’ initiatives, visit burnsunitfund.org

Quotes attributable to FRNSW Commissioner, Jeremy Fewtrell AFSM:

“Over the last 40 years, FRNSW employees have proudly raised over $4.6 million for the children in the Burns Unit.

“This year’s fundraising total is the highest ever raised by FRNSW employees, and I know that ‘Firefighters For The Burns Unit Inc.’ doesn’t plan on slowing down.

“Community is truly at the heart of what we do at Fire and Rescue NSW, and the consistent fundraising efforts of our people just go to show it.”

Quotes attributable to Firefighters For The Burns Unit Inc. President, Scott Hanley:

“It's our intention that the 2025 fundraising efforts go towards innovative programs and treatments delivered out of the newly refurbished Burns Unit.

“This year's donation will support ongoing needs, crucial equipment, and specialised training that will extend from the city to regional communities through the Burns education program.

“The Burns education program invites regional clinicians for in-person training at the Burns Unit so kids can get the best possible first-line healthcare closer to home, having a significant impact for kids with burns and their families.

“As firefighters, we see firsthand the impacts that burns injuries have on kids and their families, who often require extended stays at the Burns Unit.

“We hope that this equipment has a real, positive and lasting impact for the kids.”

Quotes attributable to Dr Torey Lawrence, Head of Burns Unit, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead:

“Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our community and, in particular, Fire and Rescue NSW, we've seen remarkable progress in burns care, from faster healing and less invasive treatments to improved long-term outcomes for our patients.

“This year’s $500,000 contribution will help equip our refurbished Burns Unit with state-of-the-art technology and support the Burns Education Program, extending our outreach to children and young people in rural and remote communities.

“Together, these efforts are improving care for families and helping meet the growing demand for world-leading paediatric burns care across the state.”

Quotes attributable to SCHF CEO, Kristina Keneally:

“The partnership between Sydney Children's Hospitals Foundation and Firefighters For The Burns Unit Incorporated is a testament to the incredible power of community working together.

"For over 40 years, the staff and supporters of Fire and Rescue NSW have shown immense generosity, and this year's half-a-million-dollar contribution is truly remarkable.

“A burns injury can devastate families and change the course of a child’s life in an instant. Many children with burns injuries spend months in hospital, often far home, and way from their loved ones.

“This crucial donation will go directly towards cutting-edge equipment and technology for the new Burns Unit at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. This support will ensure expert medical teams have the tools they need to provide world-class care and innovative research that will benefit generations of children."   MEDIA NOTES:

• Footage of today’s cheque presentation can be found here: https://vimeo.com/1096490177/26c5af0955?share=copy [external link]
• About Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation: Sydney Children’s Hospitals Foundation is one of the largest and most trusted kids’ health charities in Australia and one of the largest hospital foundations in the world. It is the exclusive fundraising partner of the Sydney Children’s Hospital Network, which includes Sydney’s two children’s hospitals (Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead), specialised care services (Bear Cottage and the Newborn and paediatric Emergency Transport Service [NETS]) and Kids Research. SCHF’s fundraising supports approximately 167,000 children and their families directly each year. www.schf.org.au

 

Updated: 26 Jun 2025 05:03pm

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