Coles Hummingbird House appeal kicks off with a Masterchef party

The 2024 Coles Hummingbird House Appeal was officially launched yesterday, with a special party for Hummingbird House guest Ollie and her family.

Masterchef contestant and cooking show host Michael Weldon visited the kitchen at the House with Ollie’s brothers to create her favourite meal of cheeseburgers. And it just so happened to be National Cheeseburger Day too!

With a number of families currently staying at Hummingbird House, everyone sat down to enjoy Ollie’s party, showing just how important the kitchen and dining room at the House are to connecting families and creating special memories.

We were privileged to have all four families featured in this year’s appeal in attendance. Rosie King’s mother Vivien spoke beautifully about the comfort the House provided when their only child Rosie died at the House last year, aged 3:

"During the worst time in our lives, they (Hummingbird House) have been unwavering in their compassion, making the unbearable bearable. I cannot think of a more deserving place for you all to support."

It was incredibly touching to see Hummingbird House families and staff come together with representatives from Coles, Coca Cola and WMQ to rally around such an important campaign. The funds raised from the Coles Hummingbird House Appeal are essential for the service to continue providing care to children with a life-limiting illness and their families.

As Queensland’s only children’s hospice, and 1 of 3 nationally, Hummingbird House aims to be a home away from home for the 6,100 Queensland ‘families caring for a child with life-limiting illness.

The appeal runs until 8 October with $2 donation cards designed by Hummingbird House families available for sale at all Coles Queensland stores. Visit the Coles Hummingbird House Appeal webpage to make a donation.