Wallum Nurseries in Brisbane’s south east is well known in the industry as a wholesale tubestock nursery specialising in Australian native flora for revegetation. What many people don't know about Wallum Nurseries is the heart-warming way in which they choose to give back to the community.
When proprietors Debbie and Stephen Dent were deciding on a charitable cause to support - the care and attention their son Luke received at the Mater Children’s Hospital back in 1997 - was the motivating factor.
Seriously ill - Luke was admitted to the Mater with infectious bursitis (inflammation of the knee joint). He recovered well but Debbie and Stephen never forgot the treatment their son received and the wonderful support the family were offered at the time. As they reflected on their own experiences - they decided if they were ever in a position to make a charitable gift they would like to fund paediatric research at the Mater.
"Our staff of 14 is also committed to supporting the Mater Children’s Hospital" said Debbie.
"The feeling we all get from donating to such a worthy cause makes us feel so good - it’s almost selfish really. We know our support will help to save children’s lives in the future. And we understand that today’s miracles only come about through innovation and medical research."
Sadly, Stephen passed away in 2007. Debbie and the family decided that as a way of helping to keep Stephen's memory alive, they would also make a personal contribution every year to the Mater Children's Hospital in his honour.
The impact of Wallum Nurseries' support touches everyone in the community by helping the Mater Children’s Hospital to pursue excellence in care, treatment and research.