‘We want to give back’: A special fundraising initiative to support the Good Friday Appeal
Bambi Mini Co. founder Nicole Verrocchi has created a special range of socks to help raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.
As Raffi Verrocchi endured chemotherapy treatment after being diagnosed with leukaemia, there were two things that helped get him through – the love and support of his family, and some of his favourite foods.
Raffi, now 5, was only 2 when his family took him for a blood test at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne and were given the devastating news a few hours later that he had leukaemia.
“I took him in for a blood test, and that afternoon we were back and we didn’t leave for two months,” his mum, Nicole Verrocchi, says.
How the RCH provides incredible support for families
Since then, the family has spent a lot of time at the RCH as Raffi has been undergoing chemotherapy for the past two years.
“The support and care that is given to you the moment your child is admitted is just incredible,” Nicole says.
“They are so on top of it – all the doctors and nurses – and they just made sure it was a fun, safe place for Raffi.”
Nicole and husband Matt are now showing their support for the RCH Good Friday Appeal after witnessing how the hospital cares for children and families.
“You’re there for your son, but you’re also on a confronting journey with other families,” Nicole says.
“We want to give back to ensure all families and kids are provided with the best care and best chance of rehabilitation – no matter the prognosis.”
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Socks designed to give back to the RCH
To raise funds for the RCH Good Friday Appeal this year, Nicole created a special range of children’s socks for her Bambi Mini Co. babywear range, which is stocked exclusively in Chemist Warehouse.
Raffi was involved in creating the sock range, with illustrator and artist Brook Gossen taking inspiration for the designs from some of Raffi’s favourite things.
“We sat down and we thought about the treatment over the past few years and everything that had played a part in his life, and food was such a big part of the treatment,” Nicole says.
“They go through a stage where they’re on steroids for two months straight, and they just eat so much food – and it was important to also keep up healthy high-fat foods, so that is where the avocado design came in.”
The other design Raffi chose was a heart.
“The heart represents our friends and family who supported us and Raffi, and loved him the most – so it’s a big, hugging heart,” Nicole says.
The Bambi Mini Co. organic cotton socks come in two sizes: junior for children aged 2-4 years, and youth for those aged 5-8 years.
All proceeds from the sale of the socks will be donated to the RCH Good Friday Appeal.
“We’ve benefited firsthand from the funds that go towards the amazing research,” Nicole says.
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Raffi’s amazing progress
Raffi’s chemotherapy treatment was changed in the middle of last year from once a month to once every three months after the hospital received fresh research from the US.
“He was having to do this particular chemo once a month, and they had new research to say that it was safe for him to have (it) every three months – and that, for us as a family, was just huge, especially for Raffi,” Nicole says.
“It gave us three months of respite, and he was able to enjoy life as a four-year-old and go to Kinder and parties and have fun.
“Those little bits of hope that come your way really get you through.”
By sharing their story, Nicole hopes other families spending time in hospital will feel less alone.
“When you’re in it, it is very hard to step away from the fear and anxiety and the unknown of what the future holds,” she says.
“So having those good-news stories to lean on, in some of your hardest moments, can help propel you forward.
“We want Raffi’s story to be that beacon of hope for other kids – because he is going to be OK.”
Run for life
The Chemist Warehouse run club is also getting behind the Good Friday Appeal, taking part in Run for the Kids, Melbourne’s popular fundraising event for the RCH, on March 19.
Chemist Warehouse chief operating officer Mario Tascone says the run club enjoys seeing new goals of helping others.
“It is a great way for the staff to give back to the community while staying fit,” Mario says.
The Bambi Mini Co. Good Friday Appeal socks are available at all Chemist Warehouse stores in Victoria and online for $4.99.
Written by Erin Miller.
Images by Tammy Lee Baird from Minimo Peeps Photography.
