Founder's Reflection

Back in 1990, I was a single man running a local tennis centre who had spent most of his life largely focused on himself, without realising that the greatest joys in life come from caring more for others than yourself.

My first small step to improve my direction in life was my decision to organise a 'black tie' Wimbledon Ball to raise funds to support the Royal North Shore Hospital (RNSH) Children’s Ward. 

I was both blessed and amazed that media legend Ray Martin AM agreed to host, which was the beginning of a lifelong relationship. Without Ray’s support, the Foundation would not be the charity that it is today. As Humpty evolved through the guidance and support of so many, more and more hospitals came knocking on our door, desperately needing the support of Humpty and its growing family.

Fast forward to today and the following is true about the Foundation:

• Over $100 million has been raised. 
• Over 7,400 pieces of children’s medical equipment have been donated to support our doctors and nurses in hospitals and health services across Australia. 
• Humpty is now the second largest supplier of children’s medical equipment in Australia, behind only State and Territory Governments, and along the journey, there have been many key milestones.

The first Wimbledon Ball set a modest goal: to fund equipment for the paediatric ward at RNSH. After 6 years of fundraising, the Humpty Dumpty Foundation was formally established in 1996. In 2001, following his son’s hospitalisation, Phil Kearns AM wanted to give back, and together, we launched the legendary Balmoral Burn, which has since raised over $36 million. Additionally, Humpty published the first Wish List - connecting generous donors with hospitals to deliver children's medical equipment. 

The following year, the 2002 International Legends Dinner, hosted by Johanna Griggs AM, tennis legend Ken Rosewall paraded through Sydney on Siam the elephant, before entering the ballroom at the Four Seasons Hotel - as Johanna said, 'The things you could get away with in those days!'

Paul Francis with Humpty starting on construction on Royal North Shore Hospital Children's Service

In 2005, Humpty expanded beyond RNSH to support Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Mt Druitt Hospital, and Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital. In 2007, the first edition of our Good Egg Magazine (GEM) was published, showcasing Humpty’s impact. 

By 2008, a phone call from a regional nurse desperate for equipment led to Humpty expanding its support to hospitals across NSW, and my wife gave birth to our twins who were both helped with Humpty equipment. The following year, Humpty became a national charity. Joe Hockey, former Treasurer and US Ambassador, led the first Mount Kilimanjaro climb, raising $2.5 million and providing equipment in every capital city nationwide. 

In partnership with NSW Health, the Michelle Beets Award for Inspirational Paediatric Care was created in 2011, honouring the beloved RNSH nurse and recognising excellence in healthcare professionals. In 2017, the first Great Humpty Ball, Darwin was held, raising more than $335,000 for sick kids in the NT. 

Over 980 pieces of essential medical equipment had been delivered to doctors and nurses nationwide, and the Humpty Family was now supporting hospitals in the NT. 

In 2018, I met an extraordinary young girl, Lauren Channon, then just 11 years old, who had already endured 133 operations. As Humpty’s first Junior Ambassador, she’s inspired countless people and been recognised with honours for her contributions to our community.

The 2022 GEM featured Bob Holt's story, detailing how his equipment gift in Katherine will greatly improve health outcomes for generations of sick kids.

Ray Martin with Humpty's first Junior Ambassador Lauren Channon

Last year, we surpassed $100 million raised, a milestone made possible by the generosity of the entire Humpty Family, and Ray Martin passed the role of Patron on to Johanna Griggs. From every corner of Australia, people have helped shape Humpty into the organisation it is today. Together, we've achieved something extraordinary. It’s been an incredible privilege to grow alongside Humpty, to witness its impact firsthand, and to meet so many inspiring people along the way. 

Today, Humpty celebrates 35 years of fundraising. As we expand our reach, over 60% of all equipment donations go to regional and remote communities. None of this would have been possible without the Humpty staff, board members, and the Humpty Family, who have been committed to improving health outcomes for our children, no matter where they live. 

I can’t wait to see what the next 35 years have in store.

Paul Francis OAM 

Founder and Executive Director