Hospital Auxiliary raise over $326,000
1st August 2019
Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary again provide significant donation
Members of the Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary ‘Cancer Carers’ once again proved their ongoing commitment and loyalty to fundraising for Calvary Mater Newcastle by presenting a cheque to the hospital totaling $326,276.13 at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday 1 August.
With 29 members ranging in age from 57 to 101, this dedicated group of men and women throughout the 2018/19 financial year worked approximately 46,285 hours in total, equating to 1,596 hours per member and over $11,000 being raised per member.
Funds were raised through a variety of activities. Donated crafts, including knitted items and teddies raised close to $50,000. Functions and bowls days were a huge success totalling almost $90,000, with the popular lolly tables bringing in over $63,000 and raffles fetching just over $17,000, to name but a few.
Mark Jeffrey, General Manager, Calvary Mater Newcastle, said,
“The loyalty and dedication of our Auxiliary is inspiring. On behalf of everyone at the hospital, I’d like to congratulate and thank the Auxiliary on raising an incredible amount of money for our patients comfort and care. Members have worked long hours and thought of innovative ways to raise such a large amount of money. We are very grateful for their continued support.”
Over the past year the Auxiliary has purchased hospital equipment and made donations to the hospital to the value of $225,315 with further equipment to the value of $87,000 on order.
Equipment purchased on behalf of the hospital in the 2018/19 financial year has included: integrated work stations for the Day Treatment Centre, a full anatomy model for the Emergency Department, chair scales for Ward 4B (Surgical), wigs for the Wig Service, a contribution towards a microscope for plastic and breast reconstruction for Surgical Services, observation machines for Ward 5A/MAAZ, a treadmill and compression garments for lymphoedema patients in the Physiotherapy Department, and an assortment of Occupational Therapy Equipment for Ward 4C (Medical).
Elaine Wellard, Auxiliary President, said,
“It’s an honour to be involved with an Auxiliary which has such a long and strong history in helping Calvary Mater Newcastle. We would like to thank the community and staff who support us and give generously each year enabling us to raise vital funds. Without their support, we couldn’t achieve what we do!”
The Auxiliary is well known for bowling days, coach trips, fashion parades, celebration luncheons, raffles throughout the community, craft goods, baking and its ‘famous’ lolly tables at the hospital. Members are also widely supported by the community, who continue to donate to the Auxiliary for the benefit of the hospital and its patients.
