One local volunteer group, the Benalla Hospital Auxiliary, is supported so well by local businesses and people that it was able to help purchase $40,000 of life-saving equipment in the past 12 months alone.
But, with volunteer numbers falling and some members heading north during the winter months, it is on the lookout for more community-minded people to join.
Auxiliary vice-president Christine Cvetkovic said the role was not only rewarding and fulfilling but also a great way to make new friends.
“We moved up to Benalla eight years ago and then my husband got ill,” she said.
“So he went to Benalla Hospital, and it made me realise that in a small country town the hospital is the core, and we need to support it.”
Christine said after reading an article in the Ensign about the Hospital Auxiliary about 18 months ago, her husband said it could be a good place for her to volunteer.
“He said it looked right up my alley,” she said.
“So I had a read and decided to get in touch. That’s how I joined.”
Currently one of 15 volunteers, Christine said the group fundraises year-round to be able to purchase life-saving equipment for the hospital.
“We meet once a month and our main focus is trying to raise as much money as we can to assist the hospital,” she said.
“We go to the market every month, and we sell our produce, our crafts and our treasures.
“We also go to the hospital foyer, normally once a month, with our produce, and we sell our items there.
“And that keeps the money coming in.”
Christine said everything they make and sell is 100 per cent donated by the volunteers, and all money raised goes to the hospital.
“We have tomato relishes, chutneys, lemon butter and jams. We also do some things like scones, slices and cookies.
“The ladies do that out of the goodness of their hearts. They don't get paid, it's all purely and simply voluntary.
“I say ladies, but there are a few gentlemen as well.
“The fact that every dollar we make goes to the hospital is what drives us, especially in the colder days, setting up at the market at 7.30am.”
On top of selling produce, the auxiliary also raises funds via their high tea and the Christmas stocking fundraiser.
“We have that in Bridge St (East), and all the items in the stocking are donated by local businesses.
“Benalla businesses are very generous. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a ‘no’ when asking for a donation.”
That stocking is raffled off, with auxiliary volunteers manning a stall outside Bendigo Bank selling tickets, and their famous produce.
“We also get the odd donation directly, which also helps,” Christine said.
Benalla Hospital Auxiliary donations in the past 12 months include:
- A Theatre Hover Matt – This is an air assisted patient transfer and repositioning device, which will allow a much easier transfer of patients inside theatre.
- HemoCue WBC Diff Analyzer – A test that identifies the amount of white blood cells. It’s a point-of-care test which means it is conducted inside Urgent Care which means doctors get results quickly.
- A Philips Automated External Defibrillator transport AED - A portable device that helps restart a heart that has stopped beating due to sudden cardiac arrest. It analyses the heart's rhythm and, if needed, delivers an electrical shock to restore a normal heartbeat.
- A Philips ECG - This records and analyses the electrical activity of the heart, providing valuable information for diagnosing and managing various cardiac conditions.
- An Advanced Life Support Training Manikin – An ALS Manikin is a sophisticated medical training device created to mimic human anatomy and physiological functions. By integrating ALS Simulation Manikins into training programs, aspiring healthcare professionals gain the essential skills and confidence needed to deliver effective Advanced Life Support during real emergencies.
Christine said at the start of each year the auxiliary approaches Benalla Health requesting a ‘wish-list’ of items it needs.
“The manikin was one of the things they wanted,” she said.
“So we set our goal which was to raise money to buy it, which we did.
“If it wasn’t for the public that support us, we wouldn't be able to do that.
“So we are very thankful.”
If you’d like to find out more about becoming a member of the Benalla Hospital Auxiliary, or would like to donate, you can call Christine on 0407 502 989.
6°C