For the second year running, the RBWH Foundation has reaped the rewards of a bountiful dragon fruit harvest thanks to the generosity of Sunshine Coast farmer Jim Li and the Brisbane Chinese Community.
The fundraiser, led by PRET Australia CEO, Paul Shih, sold 2300kg of donated dragon fruit in just one day. All proceeds were donated to Queensland hospitals in support of sick children and babies, with the RBWH Foundation receiving $6000 towards the Running for Premature Babies NeoReSQ Vehicle.
Dragon fruit are considered a symbol of good luck in Chinese culture and since 2022, Mr Li, owner of Royac Dragon Fruit Farm, has kindly donated thousands of kilograms of the fruit to local charities.
The NeoRESQ vehicle, affectionately known as R4LPH (Returning All Little People Home), has been in service since November 2020. It travels about 30,0000 kms every year transferring about 650 babies from Neonatal Intensive Care Units at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) and other Southeast Queensland hospitals, back to hospitals closer to home once they are well enough.
The dragon fruit fundraiser would not have been so successful without the dedication and commitment of Mr Shih and his supporters including 1st Care Community, eBest, Happy Removal, and Glamorous Wok.
Paul is a real estate trainer and runs the successful Property Real Estate Training School (PRET) Australia in Brisbane. He is also a community leader and philanthropist. Mr Shih has supported and donated to RBWH for more than 10 years. Not only does he personally donate, he also encourages and supports his students, friends, and families to care for and give back to their community.
On behalf of the tiniest patients at RBWH, their families, and all staff; the RBWH Foundation sincerely thanks Paul, Jim, their volunteers and donors for their generosity and support!
