Nothing will stop Hospital Auxiliary

Not even the pandemic can stop the enthusiastic and highly dedicated members of the Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary ‘Cancer Carers’ in raising funds for the hospital. “The past year has been challenging for the Auxiliary as for a large part of it we have been unable to come together as a group to do what we are passionate about – fundraise for the comfort and care of Calvary Mater Newcastle patients,” said Elaine Wellard, Auxiliary President. “However, we continue to be thankful for the large amount of community support we receive that enables us to raise vital funds.”

Despite these setbacks, funds last year were raised through a variety of activities. Mark Jeffrey, General Manager, Calvary Mater Newcastle, said, “on behalf of everyone at the hospital, I’d like to congratulate and thank the Auxiliary on raising an incredible amount of money, in challenging circumstances, for our patients’ comfort and care.”

Over the past year the Auxiliary has purchased hospital equipment and made donations to the hospital to the total value of $168,820.95.

With 26 members ranging in age from 58 to 103, this dedicated group of men and women throughout the 2020-21 financial year worked approximately 20,935 hours in total, equating to 805 hours per member and an average of $6,540 raised per member.

The Auxiliary is well known for its bowling days, coach trips, fashion parades, celebration luncheons, raffles, 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.