Tradies building Mater's new Townsville maternity unit have raised almost $20,813 to support sick and premature babies after swapping their tools for golf clubs.
Twenty-one teams of construction workers, sub-contractors and suppliers were joined by a team of Mater medics for the fund-raising "Golf for Good" tournament at Rowes Bay Golf Club.
All proceeds from the day have been donated to this year's 9 Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles, which funds life-saving research, care and equipment to ensure Mater babies have the best possible start to life.
The tournament was organised by construction firm Paynters, which this month began a $40 million expansion project for Mater Private Hospital Townsville, including a new maternity unit with 12 beds, three birth suites and six special care nursery cots.
"We have a strong relationship with Mater and appreciate the incredible care its teams provide for sick and premature babies," said Paynters Senior Project Manager Paul Goldsack.
"So there was no better cause for our golf day to support than this year's 9 Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles.
"We had a lot of fun on the course, and although Mater's team didn't win, they certainly went home happy after we raised $20,813 to support vulnerable babies in Townsville and across Queensland."
The tournament was won by Jolliffe Concreting, with Joltam Projects claiming second spot.
Mater Foundation Chief Executive Officer Andrew Thomas thanked Paynters and its North Queensland partners for supporting this year's 9Telethon.
"Paynters and construction workers from across Townsville are doing a great job for Mater on site and on the greens too," he said.
"Every dollar they have raised will go towards supporting around 2000 sick and premature babies who are cared for at Mater hospitals each year."
The 9Telethon supporting Mater Little Miracles will be broadcast live from Mater Mothers' Hospital in Brisbane and Mater Private Hospital Townsville on Saturday 26 April.
Donate now at www.9telethon.com.au.
Image: (from left) Paynters staff Tahlia Moren, Lachlan Ruffle, Senior Project Manager Paul Goldsack, Kearin Holt and 5 Blake Latimer
