Not even a pandemic can stop the enthusiastic and dedicated members of the Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary Cancer Carers in raising funds for the hospital.
Members came together at their Annual General Meeting on Thursday, 4 August to present a cheque to the hospital totalling $144,334.02.
The 2021-2022 financial year was challenging for the Auxiliary on many counts.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the group were unable to be present at the hospital from August 2021 until mid-November 2021, it was then that the Auxiliary lolly table, raffle table and smaller craft stall were once again in full operation at the Mater.
Many of the group’s main events and functions were also cancelled due to changing COVID-19 restrictions.
Despite these setbacks, funds last year were raised through a variety of activities.
Donated crafts from the community, including knitted items and blankets raised over $25,600. Catering for Bowling Days totalled over $26,000, grants and donations over $58,300, Housie at Beresfield Bowling Club raised over $27,000, with the popular lolly tables at the Mater bringing in over $13,000 and raffles fetching over $1,000, to name but a few activities.
Auxiliary President, Elaine Wellard said the past couple of years were challenging, but persevering was a must.
“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,” Elaine said.
“However, we continue to be thankful for the large amount of community support we receive that enables us to raise vital funds.
“Whether that is donations, fundraising, purchasing something from our stalls or donating craft, we couldn’t do what we do without this generous support.”
General Manager Calvary Mater Newcastle, Mark Jeffrey congratulated and thanked the Auxiliary for raising an incredible amount of money, in challenging circumstances, for patients’ comfort and care.
“Our Auxiliary members are much loved members of the team at the Mater, so it was a wonderful occasion when they were able to return, their presence was very much missed,” Mark said.
Over the past year the Auxiliary has purchased hospital equipment and made donations to the hospital to the value of $81,118.00.
Equipment purchased on behalf of the hospital in the 2021-22 financial year has included: five low profile beds for Ward 5A/MAAZ, three low profile beds for Ward 4C (Oncology), a TV for the waiting room in the Medical Centre, a contribution towards a fund for head and neck cancer patient’s prosthetics and flowers for the Mary Potter Chapel.
With 25 members, ranging in age from 59 to 103, this dedicated group of men and women throughout the 2020-21 financial year worked approximately 9,325 hours in total, equating to 373 hours per member and an average of $5,863 being raised per member.
The Auxiliary is well known for its 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.
IMAGE | The Calvary Mater Newcastle Auxiliary with their donated cheque.
