Bendigo Health, Koala Kids helping children beat pre-surgery anxiety

Nate Grieve (pictured) was one of the first drivers to use the vehicle on the way to surgery after fracturing his elbow at a family party.

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Bendigo Health director of surgical services Brenton Dillon said more than 20 children had used the cars since they were delivered last month.

"The cars have been fantastic. They bring a sense of fun and distraction during what can be an anxious time for children and their parents," he said.

Executive director of Koala Kids Foundation Amanda Mandie said the new cars were part of a fleet in use at regional hospitals in Victoria.

"There are two in Bendigo, two in Ballarat and two in Albury,'' she said.

"We are calling it our happy fleet. All of the cars have Happy-1 or Happy-2 on the registration plates."

The foundation is a volunteer driven not-for-profit organisation that provides items for children and young people in hospitals in Victoria and Tasmania.

Ms Mandie said it aimed to provide the small things in life, which created happiness for young people and their families during difficult moments.

"We believe that happiness helps and that it can minimise anxiety," she said.

"We stock the family pantry at Bendigo Health with snacks. Our mission is to provide small things that make a difference to children and young people during treatment."

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The organisation has given such things as EGO and DUPLO, novelty theatre gowns, puzzles, books and craft kits to hospitals.

The foundation is based in Hawthorn and has been operating since 2005, with the aim of helping the families of children with cancer. It provides exciting and valued programs and activities not offered by other charities.

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