Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary President, Elaine Wellard, acknowledged both the unwavering commitment of the Auxiliary members and the vital role of community support in the group’s success.

“Our dedicated members work tirelessly throughout the year, and it’s their passion and perseverance that make everything we do possible,” Ms Wellard said.

“Their efforts are strengthened by the incredible generosity of our community including those who purchase handmade items or raffle tickets at our stalls, take part in our fundraisers or organise one on our behalf, our wonderful grant providers, and individuals who donate goods or funds to the cause.”

“Together, this ongoing support allows us to continue making a meaningful difference for the patients and staff at Calvary Mater Newcastle.”

Craft items including knitted blankets donated by community members, raised more than $50,000, the popular lolly tables at Calvary Mater Newcastle brought in more than $43,000 and homemade jams and pickles raised over $10,000. Grants totalled $40,000, raffles fetched over $7,000, while housie at Beresfield Bowling Club raised over $57,000. Providing catering for Bowling Days totalled over $39,000, while community functions put on throughout the year brought in over $25,000.

Calvary Mater Newcastle’s Acting General Manager, Nicole Feenan, praised the Auxiliary for their unwavering dedication and outstanding contribution over the past year.

“Our Auxiliary members continue to demonstrate incredible commitment to Calvary Mater Newcastle,” Ms Feenan said.

“The Auxiliary’s support enhances the care we provide, offering our patients added comfort and compassion that wouldn’t be possible without the incredible Auxiliary members.

“On behalf of Calvary Mater Newcastle, I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the Auxiliary. Their generosity and spirit are truly remarkable.”

Over the past year, the Auxiliary has raised funds to purchase the following equipment:

• A scalp cooling machine

• A GlydeScope, a neopuff infant resuscitator, two high flow oxygen machines, and four wheeled walkers for the Emergency Department.

• Repairs to the mobile charging station in the Emergency Department.

• Four chairs for the Ward 5D waiting area and art supplies for the haematology patient wellbeing trolley.

• Diversional therapy equipment for patients and lifetime software for the diversional therapy table.

• 10 training arms and a training block for use throughout the hospital.

• Framed prints for the Intensive Care Unit family waiting room

• Contributions towards head and neck cancer prosthetics, and;

• Weekly flowers for the Mary Potter Chapel.

The Auxiliary has 29 members ranging in age from 60 to 88, who have worked 15,657 hours this year collectively. This equates to each member working around 539 hours and raising an average of $11,032 each this financial year.

Join our Auxiliary

The Auxiliary is always looking for new members to fundraise for Calvary Mater Newcastle. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact [email protected].