Festive season kicks off early with Party Day for sick kids

GAME ON: Festive season kicks off early with Party Day for sick kids

25 October 2023

The festive season started early at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick (SCH) today, with the annual Party Day celebration spreading joy and laughter for children not well enough to leave hospital.

Costumes and controllers collided in this year’s theme, ‘Games’, which saw the hospital transformed.

Every costume told a story, and every ward was a game waiting to be played, from catching the golden snitch in Quidditch, to passing GO in Monopoly right through to steering through the world of Mario Kart.

Special guests and beloved children's characters also shared in the festivities. SpiderMan took some time out of his busy schedule to traverse the hospital buildings and swing by to say hello, a magician bedazzled with unbelievable tricks and local heroes from NSW Fire & Rescue raised the sirens in a special fire truck display for patients and families.

Cathryn Cox, Chief Executive of Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network, said Party Day is a fun day not only for patients and families but also hospital staff.

“Our dedicated staff spend months preparing and decorating their wards to transform the hospital into a spectacular site for our patients and their families. Staff spread the Party Day spirit and get amongst the festivities, where laughter becomes the best medicine,” Ms Cox said.

“Party Day offers a sense of escapism for the kids and a day of respite for families during the difficulties of hospital admission, where they can join in their children’s joy.”

Activities throughout the day included a DJ dance party, face painting and balloon twisting, cupcake decorating and bracelet making, a photo booth, as well as iconic celebrity appearances in the form of wax figurines from Madame Tussauds and krill-er artefacts from SeaLife Aquarium.

Party Day was made even more memorable with the support of our community partners who generously supported and donated gifts and goodies for the day.

“We are deeply grateful for the continued support of the community and partners who make these days extra special for children going through challenging journeys,” Ms Cox said.

Vision and photos are available for download: https://we.tl/t-fCTxgsdG2O

Media contact

• Eilis Grainger – Media Officer, Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network
• eilis.grainger@health.nsw.gov.au | 0455 261 572