CEO's Message

When I first joined Humpty close to two decades ago, our office was a tiny shoebox behind the tennis centre that Paul ran.

We could all hear the kettle boil, and visitors would pop in before heading onto the court. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how far Humpty has come – and how much we’ve achieved together. 

Even in those early days, something was truly special about Humpty – a sense of purpose that resonated in every call, hospital visit, and story shared by a family. As we celebrate 35 years of fundraising, that same heartbeat still runs through everything we do. 

Johanna Griggs, in her inaugural address as Patron of Humpty said: 

'The thing about Humpty is that it gets under your skin. You hear those stories, and it changes the way you look at life.'

She’s right. Humpty has a way of changing you. 

Over the years, I’ve received phone calls that have stopped me in my tracks - medical teams doing everything to save a child’s life; parents sharing moments of unimaginable grief and gratitude – reminders of why we do what we do. Most of all, there’s been hope – born from the generosity of people who choose to care, not because they have to, but because they want to make a difference. The spirit of our Good Egg community is the heartbeat of Humpty, and what drives our team every day. What began as one man’s idea to help his local children’s ward has grown into a national movement of generosity and hope. Our growth reflects a deep understanding of the challenges our public hospitals face. 

We hear the stories, and we respond. 

Last year, more than half of the 494 pieces of equipment Humpty donated went to Neonatal and Maternity Units – a response to the fact that almost 1 in 5 babies born in Australia require admission to these emergency units. 

From that shoebox office to a national foundation making a real impact, Humpty’s journey proves that from little things, big things truly do grow. Today, we’re proudly based in an office donated by a long-time supporter whose watched our growth from the very beginning and believed it was time for Humpty to have a home of his own. Their generosity reflects not only how far we’ve come, but the kindness and heart of our community. 

I am proud to stand alongside our Founder Paul Francis, our Patron Johanna Griggs, the incredible Humpty team, dedicated Board, and ever-growing Good Egg Community – donors, partners, and families – who remind us that together, we can change the future of healthcare for every Australian child. 

Here’s to the next 35 years of Humpty: filled with hope, heart, and the promise of brighter tomorrows.

Claire Reaney 

CEO and Managing Director