Commuters dig deep

It was all aboard the good ship lollipop last week as Rockingham rail commuters dug deep to raise more than $500 for children in hospital.

Radio Lollipop volunteers were out in force at the city’s train station on Wednesday collecting donations for the charity, which has been cheering up children at Rockingham General Hospital for the past three years.

Volunteer Meryl Riley said Radio Lollipop was about moral support for sick children and their families, and Rockingham’s team strived to help in any way they could.

“Being in hospital can be very traumatic for children — and for their parents,” she said.

“We are there to support and to break up their day by keeping them entertained and feeling as happy as possible.”

Mrs Riley said Rockingham’s four volunteers presented each child with a special gift as they arrived at the ward and handed out colouring and other activities to all of the children.

“We give out stickers and bubbles to the little ones and generally try to keep them entertained,” she explained. “But it’s not just kids, sometimes mum or dad just need a chat and a little boost.”

Fellow volunteer Jan McGlinchey said working for Radio Lollipop had enriched the lives of all involved and she looked forward to continuing to bring joy to Rockingham’s sick children.

“It’s very rewarding and we’ve definitely got something out of it too,” she said.