These Canberrans will go above and beyond for Canberra Hospital care

With a terrible fear of heights, there’s not much that would convince Peter Munday to abseil off a four-storey building – but above-and-beyond care for Canberra Hospital patients and their families will do the trick.

The Lennock Volkswagen Phillip ACT dealer principal and nine other Canberra business and community leaders will take on the “Big Wig Challenge” this Friday (27 October). They’ll don actual big wigs and abseil off an 18-metre building in the Canberra Hospital complex as part of Canberra Hospital Foundation’s major annual fundraiser event, Can Give Day.

A long-time supporter of the foundation but a first-time participant in the challenge, it’ll be a big leap (so to speak) for Peter, who has “never done anything like it and never would, if it weren’t for the meaningful incentive”.

“I am petrified,” he laughs. “But that’s outweighed by a respect for the work that Canberra Hospital Foundation does in making a difference in people’s lives. I can see no better reason to challenge my abilities, and push myself to the limit.”

The challenge offers a platform through which participants can leverage their considerable clout in the community to raise funds for the foundation’s important works.

Each participant has pledged to raise $10,000 in funds. Peter has already smashed that, raising an incredible $16,000 to date.

Can Give Day is a powerful fundraiser during which community members coordinate fundraising events across Canberra, healthcare teams hold activities, and the foundation stages spectacles such as grand finale events the Big Wig and Master Cook challenges.

It’s also an opportunity for the local community to celebrate the hard work of its healthcare teams and help support patients and improve their outcomes.

It’s a cause close to heart for Region commercial director Adam Gill, who will also be taking on the challenge.

“Unfortunately this year alone I have had three different family members go through the hospital,” he says.

“I think there’s hardly a Canberran who the hospital hasn’t touched, whether it be for themselves, a family member or someone they know.

“By extension, the remarkable work of this foundation is something we can all get behind.”

Participants will receive plenty of instruction and undergo a “test run” prior to the big day.

Canberra Hospital Foundation contributes to the purchase of specialised medical equipment and helps fund important medical research, therapeutic patient programs and hospital refurbishments.

Its mission is to honour and empower healthcare workers to deliver above-and-beyond care to patients and their families.

The Big Wig Challenge and broader Can Give Day activations not only help fund this mission but of equal importance, raise awareness.

“What the Canberra Hospital Foundation does in the community is extremely important. But how do they amplify that?” Adam said.

“Hopefully by contributing to the spectacle, we can help promote their amazing work beyond their own channels.”

It’s not too late to donate or participate. Visit Can Give Day, pick a Big Wig to support or join the live audience at the Master Cook Challenge.