Supplier of business essentials Corporate Express has donated $65,000 to Sydney Children’s Hospital’s Child Protection Unit.

 

Dr Dimitra Tzioumi, paediatrician and director of the Child Protection Unit, which specialises in assessment and treatment of children between 0 and 16 years old who have been abused, said Corporate Express’ donations have been funding the Unit’s Group Work Therapy program since 2002.

 

“The Group Work Therapy program is totally funded by Corporate Express and so without the donations, the program would not exist. Group Work is a therapeutic program where children who have been abused, non-offending parents and foster carers sit together and work through their trauma,” Dr Tzioumi said.

 

“Each program runs for six to eight weeks and an evaluation is done at the end of each program. It is received so well and is one of the most successful programs we offer. It has even received international recognition and interest.

 

“We also run an individual therapy service for families and children, but Group Work has demonstrated so much value. We can see improvements in the participants and they really appreciate it. It helps them realise that they are not alone in their situation. Also, participants sometimes keep ongoing relationships with other participants and develop their own support network,” she added.

 

Chris Poullaos, Corporate Express NSW state manager, said Corporate Express has donated over $300,000 to the Sydney Children’s Hospital over the years.

 

“Our contribution really comes from the heart. It is so important to support a program like Group Work Therapy which can make a significant difference to a child’s development. It is impossible to put a value figure on helping children - they are indeed the backbone of the country’s future,” Poullaos said.

 

“We have a Charity Committee chaired by one of our staff Kerrie Mullaney and the Committee drives a lot of the fundraising initiatives. Members have organised monthly staff drinks with items being auctioned, a quarterly barbeque, an annual golf day and more. All our staff in NSW get involved with different activities. We also hold an annual fete day where we do a warehouse sale for the public,” he explained.

 

 

Corporate Express’ donation to Sydney Children’s Hospital is the company’s largest contribution to charity and this year’s amount of $65,000 was a record.
The company plans on continuing to give the Hospital a tangible amount of money in the future.