Produce with passion – Supporting global health initiatives

Did you know that by shopping at Capital Region Farmers Market, you’re not just getting the freshest produce but also helping to transform lives?

The Rotary Club of Hall (RCH) uses the profits from stallholder fees to fund incredible community projects. Over the past 20 years, RCH has contributed nearly $4 million towards these initiatives.

One of the standout projects funded by your support is a life-changing program that sends a specialist team of paediatric surgeons and nurses to the Solomon Islands. This effort provides much-needed surgical care to children who would otherwise go untreated.

A life-changing mission

The population of the Solomon Islands is around 700,000, yet they lack a Paediatric Surgeon. This is where our Canberra-based Paediatric Surgical Specialist Team (PSST) comes in. Led by Professor David Croaker, this dedicated team of volunteer surgeons, anaesthetists, and nurses travel twice a year to offer life-saving surgical care to children in need.

One of our Market community members, Liz Hearn, who you might see rushing around on Saturdays, is a specialised paediatric nurse who participates in these visits.

Each trip costs approximately $50,000, covering airfares, accommodation, pharmaceuticals, and medical equipment, but the impact is priceless.

The impact of your support

In May 2024, during their latest visit, the team conducted 50-60 consultations and performed 26 operations in just one week. These surgeries addressed complex conditions that are not often discussed but are crucial for the children’s quality of life, such as bowel and ano-rectal malformations. By conducting these surgeries in the Solomon Islands, the team saves children from needing to travel to Australia, reducing costs and easing the burden on their families.

This initiative not only provides critical care to the children, but also offers hands-on training to local medical professionals. By working alongside the team, Solomon Islands’ adult surgeons, anaesthetists, and paediatric nurses gain valuable skills and knowledge, further benefiting their community.

How you can help

Rotary Club of Hall have contributed $70,000, funded by the Market over 2 years to help fund these life saving trips. Every time you shop at the Capital Region Farmers Market and supporting our farmers, you are contributing to these incredible missions. Your support ensures that these children receive the care they desperately need, and it fosters a sense of community and global responsibility.

By choosing to buy fresh, local produce from the Market, you’re also investing in a greater cause. You’re supporting not just our local farmers and producers, but also making a tangible difference in the lives of children in the Solomon Islands.

We are incredibly proud of the impact we make together and want to thank you for being a part of this journey. To learn more about how you can support the Rotary Club of Hall and their amazing projects, visit their website.

Together, we’re growing more than just produce, we’re growing hope and changing lives.