What’s happening?
Coles has launched its 2025 Hospitals United for Sick Kids fundraising campaign, giving customers the chance to support sick children by purchasing selected products or making a donation at checkout. Running until the 18th, the campaign will see 50 cents from the sale of over 150 participating products donated to the national children’s charity Hospitals United for Sick Kids. The initiative will fund crucial paediatric care programs, medical equipment, and support services across eight major children’s hospital foundations in Australia.
Coles customers can also contribute by purchasing a $2 donation card in-store or donating at checkout.
Why it matters?
Funds raised will help reduce the impact of hospitalisation on sick children and their families, supporting essential programs such as:
- An Australian-first training program in Western Australia to improve clinicians’ skills in working with vulnerable children.
- ‘Music for Wellness’ sessions in South Australian neonatal and paediatric intensive care units to provide comfort for babies and parents.
- The addition of an EEG technician in Newcastle to expedite epilepsy investigations in children.
Hospitals United for Sick Kids CEO Nicky Bowie highlighted the importance of the campaign, stating:
“At Hospitals United for Sick Kids, we help sick kids get home to the things they miss. Funds raised will help support vital projects, therapies, and equipment for our state-based partners, ensuring the best care for kids in hospital or at home.”
Local Impact
In Queensland, the funds will go toward establishing a Child Life Therapy position at Caboolture Hospital, using play-based interventions to reduce fear and anxiety among children in its paediatric ward. The Common Good’s CEO Steve Francia said the initiative will reach thousands of young patients:
“Coles’ fundraising efforts for Hospitals United for Sick Kids over the past five years have already made a huge impact in hospitals across Queensland, and with funds raised this year, we hope to assist an additional 2,000 children annually through the new Child Life Therapy program at Caboolture Hospital.”
Francia also noted the success of a pilot Child Life Therapist program at The Prince Charles Hospital in 2022, which demonstrated the role’s effectiveness and prompted expansion to other Queensland hospitals:
“The pilot position, which has since become permanent, demonstrated the critical value of a Child Life Therapist and we’ve had many requests and inquiries from other hospitals across Queensland to support additional positions.”
By the Numbers
- $9 million: Total funds raised by Coles for Hospitals United for Sick Kids since 2019.
- 150+ participating products: Each contributing 50 cents per sale to the cause.
- 2,000 additional children in Queensland expected to benefit annually from the new Child Life Therapy program.
Zoom In
Coles Group Corporate & Indigenous Affairs Officer Sally Fielke encouraged customers to support the campaign by purchasing participating products or donation cards:
“Supporting sick children and their families is something Coles and our team members are passionate about and we’re incredibly proud to have raised more than $9 million for Hospitals United for Sick Kids since 2019.”
She added that the campaign has been made possible with the support of trusted brands:
“We’re delighted to work with our valued suppliers to help make supporting this important cause easier than ever for our customers, with a 50 cents donation to Hospitals United for Sick Kids on more than 150 products sold at Coles over the next two weeks.”
Zoom Out
Beyond Queensland, the funds will be distributed across eight hospital foundations nationwide, helping to enhance children’s healthcare services and provide much-needed resources for young patients and their families.
The campaign is also made possible through collaboration with well-known brands including Kellogg’s, Arnott’s, Swisse, and Grinders, which are contributing to the “Basket of Good”—a selection of participating products supporting the fundraiser.
What to Look for Next?
The 2025 Hospitals United for Sick Kids campaign runs until 18 February at Coles supermarkets and online. Customers can make a difference by:
- Purchasing participating products in-store or online.
- Adding a $2 donation card to their shop.
- Making an optional donation at checkout.
With funds supporting children’s hospitals across Australia, every purchase and donation can help improve the lives of sick kids and their families.
