With Telethon weekend fast approaching, we reflect on the personal journey that drives MinRes employee Ashleigh Cavanagh to give her time to this worthy cause.
An Environmental Advisor, Ashleigh will lead a team of 14 MinRes employees volunteering in the Telethon Call Centre this weekend, each accepting donations from generous West Aussies keen to help change little lives for the better.
Ashleigh knows firsthand the value of Telethon and the organisations it supports. Growing up, she and her family often travelled from Port Hedland to spend long days at Princess Margaret Hospital while her older brother Josh received treatment for spina bifida.
The care and concern of the hospital staff helped them overcome a range of challenges.
“Josh has lived with spina bifida since birth and has been in a wheelchair all his life,” Ashleigh said.
“I remember the facilities at PMH from when we were kids, with Radio Lollipop and the sensory rooms to explore – at times it didn’t feel like you were in a hospital at all.
“The PMH staff understood the hurdles we faced and went above and beyond to ensure Josh received the best possible care. As a family, we know people like them still make a huge difference in the lives of children dealing with medical challenges.”
Of course, so much of the Cavanagh family’s journey has been shaped by Josh’s personal courage.
“Through it all, Josh’s determination and sense of humour have inspired us and brought so much laughter to our lives,” Ashleigh added.
“Telethon does such amazing work supporting families like ours. I’m so grateful for this opportunity to volunteer and say ‘thank you’.”
MinRes is proud to support the health and happiness of Western Australian children. In 2021, we announced a $10 million commitment to Telethon over five years. Learn more in our 2023 Social Investment Report.
The 26-hour Telethon broadcast from RAC Arena begins at 7:00pm AWST on Saturday 21 October through to Sunday 23 October. A free Telethon Family Festival will also take place on the Sunday at RAC Arena and along parts of Wellington Street.
For more information, visit telethon7.com/telethon-weekend.
