Canberra Hospital

Dry July 2025 funds will help Canberra Hospital to create a comforting and supportive environment for cancer patients, their families and carers at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre.

"Year after year, your contributions through Dry July fundraising are so heartwarming – they are helping us deliver the best care possible to patients at Canberra Region Cancer Centre.

Thanks to you, we can continue to fund items like the Tea Trolley, the Therapeutic Harp Program and provide a beautiful display of flowers throughout the cancer wards to brighten the day of patients and their families.

These programs are central to providing holistic care and offer extra support and comfort that will complement and enhance the treatment and healing of patients, families and carers affected by cancer in Canberra and the surrounding region.

By supporting patient wellbeing and offering relaxation, comfort and distraction, you are helping to make very difficult experiences with cancer a little bit easier."

- Helen Falla, CEO Canberra Hospitals Foundation

Canberra Region Cancer Centre (CRCC) serves many patients undergoing cancer treatment, a process that is often lengthy, stressful, and daunting. The changes to CRCC aim to improve the overall experience of patients at the centre, making their treatment journey more comfortable and less stressful.

The Canberra Hospital Foundation is once again proudly supporting the Canberra Region Cancer Centre through Dry July, an annual initiative where participants give up alcohol for the month to raise funds for people affected by cancer.

This year, we're raising money to enhance the comfort and wellbeing of patients and their families during their visits to our world-class cancer treatment and research facility. Here’s how your donation will make a meaningful impact:

Funding the Beautiful Flower Displays

The stunning flower arrangements at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre brighten the reception space, transforming what can be a daunting place into a welcoming environment. Patients frequently express their appreciation for these floral displays, noting how they bring a touch of warmth and positivity to their visits.

“I love to see how the flowers change during my visits to the Cancer Centre – they are always bright and welcoming.” - Patient undergoing treatment

Helping to Stock the Morning and Afternoon Tea Trolley

“I always look out for the volunteers bringing the trolley around. I have long treatments and their visits with the tea, coffee, and home-baked goods are so welcomed.” - Patient undergoing treatment

For many patients, treatment can be a lengthy and exhausting process. The morning and afternoon tea trolleys, laden with tea, coffee, and home-baked goods, offer a much-needed respite and comfort. This small act of kindness brings immense joy and relief, making the treatment experience a bit more bearable.

Ensuring the Therapeutic Harp Program Continues to Provide Comfort

The soothing music from the therapeutic harp program provides a serene atmosphere throughout the Cancer Centre, offering patients and carers a moment of relaxation and reducing anxiety during a stressful time. The calming melodies are a source of comfort and peace for many.

“I first heard the harp playing while waiting for my clinic appointment in the Cancer Centre. It is an anxious time, but the harp was so soothing and relaxing.” - Patient undergoing treatment

How You Can Help

By participating in Dry July and donating to the Canberra Hospital Foundation, you are directly contributing to these valuable initiatives. Your support helps provide the extra care and comfort that enhances the treatment and healing process for patients and their families.

Join us in making a meaningful impact. Support us this Dry July and help us bring a little extra comfort and joy to the Canberra Region Cancer Centre patients and their loved ones.

The funds raised from Dry July 2023 are helping Canberra Hospital to continue their Therapeutic Harp Service.

This initiative supports patients’ wellbeing by offering relaxation, comfort, and distraction, helping to make a difficult time a little bit easier

Last year in 2021, our amazing community raised $40,000 through their commitment to Dry July and to supporting people in our community affected by cancer. This enabled us to support people affected by cancer in the Canberra community, through the Therapeutic Harp Program which brings the benefits of soothing music, floral arrangements to brighten the clinical spaces, and tea trolley service for patients and families at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre.

"Thank you so much for your cheerfulness and the harp's serene melodies - just what the doctor ordered. She has been depressed and your visit was highly valued."

Evidence based research has shown that music as a complementary modality is not only good for our health but can promote feelings of wellbeing. Music can provide a variety of touchstones for social, physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological health.

The harp has been used since ancient times to soothe, comfort and support people. And, thanks to your support in 2020, that is exactly what the Therapeutic Harp Program does for patients at the Canberra Region Cancer Centre

Therapeutic harpist, Alison gently plays her harp at the bedside of patients and more broadly throughout the shared spaces of the Canberra Region Cancer Centre. Through her harp, Alison is able to;

• Cultivate and promote a quiet space where sleep and deep rest can occur

• Provide distraction and motivation

• provide a welcoming and calm space within all hospital and community areas

• Augment pain medication and assist in pain management

• Encourage reminiscence, assist mental clarity and stimulate memory

• Reduce stress as the body relaxes and breathing settles and deepens

• Assist with transition at end of life

We are so grateful to you, our amazing Dry July-ers for supporting the Therapetutic Harp Program!