More than 500 guests will gather at the Fullerton Hotel on 10 September to raise funds for St Vincent de Paul NSW's Script & Medical Support for People Experiencing or At-Risk of Homelessness Program, which helps vulnerable Australians access essential prescription medicines and healthcare support.
The evening will be hosted by acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Hamish Macdonald, whose late father was a pharmacy owner, while former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack will lead the fundraising auction.
Pharmacy Guild Foundation Chair Catherine Bronger said the overwhelming response reflected the profession's longstanding commitment to supporting communities beyond the dispensary.
"The response to this event has been extraordinary," Ms Bronger said.
"Every dollar raised will help ensure vulnerable Australians can access essential medicines and healthcare support when they need it most."
For people experiencing homelessness or financial hardship, the cost of prescription medicines can present a significant barrier to treatment. The program supported by the Gala Ball aims to remove that barrier by providing access to essential medicines and medical support when it is needed most.
Ms Bronger said community pharmacies see the impact of financial hardship every day.
"Pharmacists are often the most accessible primary healthcare professionals in their communities and we see every day the difficult choices people are forced to make when finances are stretched," she said.
"The Guild Foundation will turn compassion into action. I'm incredibly proud of the way the pharmacy profession has rallied behind this initiative and helped make the event a sell-out success."
The evening will be hosted by acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Hamish Macdonald, whose late father was a pharmacy owner, while former Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack will lead the fundraising auction.
The Foundation also acknowledged the support of Principal Sponsor Novo Nordisk and Major Sponsors Key Pharmaceuticals, Hitch Law, Viatris and TerryWhite Chemmart/Cincotta/MediAdvice.
"We are incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose support has helped make this inaugural event possible," Ms Bronger said.
"Their contribution will have a lasting impact on the people and communities this program supports."
Improving access to medicines through philanthropy
Established by the pharmacy profession, the Pharmacy Guild Foundation aims to improve access to medicines and pharmacy care for communities that need it most.
Its purpose is to advance community health and wellbeing in Australia and internationally by relieving poverty, sickness and distress through the provision of, or funding for, essential medicines, healthcare services and related support for individuals and communities experiencing financial or social disadvantage.
To achieve this, the Foundation will support projects that improve access to medicines, assist communities with poor access to healthcare, and help deliver better health outcomes through pharmacy-led initiatives.
The sold-out Gala Ball marks an important milestone for the Foundation and highlights the pharmacy sector's commitment to improving health outcomes for some of Australia's most vulnerable people.
To make a donation to the Pharmacy Guild Foundation, contact Leisel.Huckel@nsw.guild.org.au
