Treasure Chest

"When my nephew was diagnosed with childhood leukaemia I began looking for information about both the disease and its likely impact on families. This search led me to a book called Having Leukemia Isn’t So Bad (Of course it wouldn’t be my first choice) by Cynthia Krumme". - Rotarian Alison Binns

The idea of a treasure chest, which could be used as the promise of a pleasant experience once the yucky stuff was over, came from that book.

The Treasure Chest was officially opened by Olympic Swimming Champion, Kieren Perkins OAM on 12 December, 2003. The Treasure Chest is located in a treatment room of Children’s Ward at Royal North Shore Hospital a major public hospital situated on Sydney’s North Shore.

"It's great to be able to reward a child for their bravery after a procedure. It's especially touching when you know a child who is genuinely very scared is trying extra hard to be brave during a procedure because they know they will get to go into the chest and pick a gift. Most importantly accessing the chest really brings a smile to the child's face as well as the parents and the focus then becomes on this positive experience rather than the procedure itself. This would not be possible without the support of Chatswood Rotary and we are most grateful for that". - Leila Sithole, Recrecreational Therapist

"The treasure chest is fantastic because at least it all ends with a smile rather than tears." - Parent

"I like looking at the treasure chest because it's beautiful and full of surprises." - Recipient child

Smiles are contagious - How you can help

A smile costs $25 or alternatively a gift may be sent to The Treasure Chest, The Rotary Club of Chatswood, P.O. Box 138, Chatswood NSW 2057, Australia.

Suggested gifts are books or book tokens, T-shirts, children’s toys, puzzles, etc. Gifts should be suitable for use by child in a hospital bed. Unsuitable presents such as toys with small parts which could be swallowed, missiles, etc will be diverted to another charity.

To make a donation please complete the fields below and enter the amount you wish to donate before you click the donation button.

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Donations made to the Treasure Chest through The Rotary Club of Chatswood Benevolent Account are tax deductible in Australia. A receipt will be sent to you. See our donation page for more information.

We wish to thank our Corporate Sponsor, Model Kits Online, for their generous contribution.