Welcome from the CEO
I am delighted to be with you all as the new CEO and I look forward to a bright future together, supporting families and children, and raising funds so that we can provide more support and new programs in 2021 and beyond.
Some background for you on me. I have spent the last 3 years as General Manager with St John Ambulance, managing commercial operations, service development and customer service. Prior to this I have spend 20 years in senior management and CEO roles including CEO of Variety, The Children’s Charity. I am really looking forward to working with my great team to help increase services and support to the HeartKids community.
HeartKids CEO, Fiona Ellis
I am pleased to see in my short time as the CEO of HeartKids that our staff, communities, and families have adapted to the changes that COVID-19 has made to our lives and our world, and as 2021 evolves, I am sure we will find positive elements of change, especially in the way that we communicate, work and support one another.
As an organisation, HeartKids has been very innovative in creating new campaigns and event opportunities which encourage both physical and online participation. We have used technology to ensure that we can remain connected with our families and deliver service and support to everyone, near and far. The restrictions of COVID-19 have taught us that we can support you in many new and different ways and if anything, 2020 has made us stronger in our resolve to be with you when you need us.
As CHD families, you have had to grow stronger over 2020. Your amazing support for one another has not changed and it is so wonderful to see you sharing your wonderful stories across social media. Your passion continues to raise awareness of CHD and the audience grows daily. I am really looking forward to the opportunity of meeting many of you and your family members at local events in the near future.
As we move into 2021, I have no doubt that it will bring us all exciting new challenges and opportunities. With your help and support we will continue to grow and flourish, engaging new sponsors, building new corporate partnerships, and developing new service programs
This year we continue to work on The National Action Plan which will build towards some amazing outcomes including national Standards of Care, new research and some wonderful education and resources on CHD for GPs, Allied Health Professionals, community health providers and families. Our new media campaign, Things Can Change in A Heartbeat, will significantly increase the awareness of CHD in the community. A full outline of the campaign appears later in this newsletter.
As an organisation that works with and for its community, HeartKids has grown so much over recent years. We thrive on the energy and engagement that we have with you and your families and I would personally like to reaffirm the ongoing commitment of HeartKids to provide and grow the support we offer to you and your families.
I’d like to share with you one of my favourite quotes which I think embodies the HeartKids family -
“People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible”- Tom Vilsack
Kind regards,
Fiona Ellis
fiona.ellis@heartkids.org.au
0455 021 180