How one resident’s experience led her to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital

Volunteer Residential Leader, Kyra Byrne, lives at our Geelong Waurn Ponds campus. In May this year (pre-lockdown), Kyra coordinated a highly successful fundraiser for the Melbourne Royal Children’s Hospital, and with the support of her fellow residents, raised over $1300 for the foundation.  

Originally from Heathcote in central Victoria, Kyra is studying a double degree in Criminology and Psychology. Her passion for supporting the Royal Children’s stemmed from her own experiences as a patient from the time she was 6 weeks old until the age of 18.  

“For me the Royal Children’s was like a second home as I was there so often and supported in so many ways. Importantly, I was able to continue my high school education through teachers at the hospital, mingle with those my own age, and to have fun despite my length stays.”   

As part of the fundraiser, Kyra coordinated a residential event featuring a raffle offering some incredible prizes, a bake sale and sausage sizzle.  

“So many residents turned up to support this great cause. I’ve dreamed about giving back to the Royal Children’s since I was in high school but was never given the opportunity or means to do so before becoming a Res Leader. The Deakin Res team supported my fundraising idea and helped me to organize the event. The other Res Leaders also helped by setting up, running and promoting the event and by donating items for the raffle, and I wouldn’t have been able to do it without them.”  

Aside from raising funds to donate, Kyra also notes how important it was for her to also raise awareness of the amazing work of the Royal Children’s Hospital.   

“As part of the event I shared my experiences as a former patient to highlight how any money raised can be used to fund research, new technology and equipment and in improving patient care.” 

Overall, Kyra’s event was a massive success, raising a grand total of $1321.50, well over her initial target of $300.