At just four years old, Lawson Barry has already spent more time in hospital than most people do in a lifetime. Diagnosed with vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) – a rare condition affecting blood flow to the brain – his journey has been filled with surgeries, procedures and long stretches of waiting.

While his treatments help manage his condition, they also bring anxiety – making hospital visits and blood tests overwhelming. But when a friendly volunteer walks in, ready to play, everything changes. Through programs delivered and funded by the Children’s Hospital Foundation, at the Queensland Children’s Hospital – like Book Bunker, Bravery Beads and Kidzone – Lawson finds comfort in uncertainty, and his family finds moments of joy in the toughest times.

This is where Queensland’s generosity shines. From Weipa to Casino, support through the Children’s Hospital Foundation Small Change Appeal helps make hospital feel more like home for kids like Lawson. From 1 to 21 October 2025, Woolworths customers across Queensland and northern New South Wales can help kids like Lawson by purchasing a wall token for just $2 or donating at the check-out as part of the Small Change Appeal, supported by Woolworths.

Every dollar raised will help fund life-changing research, cutting-edge equipment and in-hospital wrap-around programs and entertainment that bring joy, distraction and comfort to kids in hospital.

Children’s Hospital Foundation CEO Lyndsey Rice says the community’s support makes an incredible difference for children and families when they need it most.

“Everything we do at the Children’s Hospital Foundation is to support Queensland’s sickest and most critically injured kids, because we believe every child deserves every chance to thrive.

“For kids like Lawson, hospital can be a frightening place – but thanks to the generosity of Woolworths customers across Queensland and northern New South Wales, we can continue to bring comfort, joy and hope into their world.

“A $2 token may seem small, but when Queenslanders come together, it quite literally changes lives,” said Ms Rice.

Woolworths Supermarkets Queensland State Operations Director Danny Baldwin said: “We’re incredibly proud to partner with the Children’s Hospital Foundation and support the vital services they provide in local communities.

“Since 1986, our customers and team have together raised more than $65 million for the Children’s Hospital Foundation, a testament to the power of small change making a huge difference for local kids and their families.

“Every year we are blown away by the generosity of our customers, and by the fundraising efforts of our dedicated store teams who go above and beyond to support the appeal.”

The Children’s Hospital Foundation’s Small Change Appeal, proudly supported by Woolworths, runs from 1 October to 21 October in Woolworths stores across Queensland and northern New South Wales.