ProvenanceThis object is one of a collection of 14 badges, all of various shapes with the majority being shield or silhouette cut. It served as fundraising and promotional material for the Adelaide Children’s Hospital Appeal, and was intended for purchase by members of the public who wished to support the cause. Eleven of these badges represent children in hospitals or care institutions, three are all-age charity or institution appeals.SignificanceThis card badge is an example of local fundraising efforts throughout the early to mid-20th century to support children’s ‘homes’ and medical charities. The Adelaide Children’s Hospital was funded entirely by donations, fund-raising and government subsidies. This object is part of the broader history of children’s medical care and welfare in South Australia. It also demonstrates styles of community fundraising of the era.
During this era, children were sometimes placed in homes when parents were unable to care for them. In order to raise funds, badge days, for example, were held for explicit or general fund-raising appeals. Prior to social service funding, they provided an important source of income for non-for-profit charities and organisations whilst visibly promoting their cause.DescriptionCard badge with metal pin. Circular. Large red capital letter C with white text “Children’s Hospital”. Black and white image of child’s smiling face in centre.Creator (person)Creator (organisation)AcknowledgementDate of Creationc1945Date of Usagec1940sMaterialCardboard
|metal
|inks DimensionType: overall
Unit (Lengths): mm Accession NumberHT 2017.0713
