Hospital auxiliary raises $26,000

The Woy Woy Hospital Auxiliary has announced that it has raised more than $26,000 for the hospital last year.

Some of the money was used to refurbish the patients' lounge and purchase 33 over-bed tables.

The auxiliary donated $8000 for strong heavy outdoor furniture, ceramic pots and a wheelchair ramp.

It also organised the painting of a Tuscan mural at the rehabilitation unit and having the area covered by a large sail.

Donations were also used to buy stroke recovery books and a wall brochure holder for the welfare office, and a new desk is also expected to be funded.

Woy Woy Hospital Auxiliary president Mrs Chris Sherbon said that the members would try to top their efforts this year.

Top of the hospital's wishlist for 2004 is a soft outdoor area for dementia patients.

The auxiliary will attempt to raise funds so that rubber matting and artificial grass can be layed down to prevent dementia patients injuring themselves.

Mrs Sherbon said the auxiliary would keep using its winning formula - holding five stalls a year outside Flemings supermarket at Umina, a golf day at Everglades in March, and raffles on Mothers' Day, Fathers' day and at Easter.

The auxiliary currently has 70 members but only half are active.

When they aren't sitting at stalls, the mostly elderly members are at home making ironing board covers, library bags, knitting babies clothes and coat hangers to sell.

Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews, said the auxiliary deserved "special recognition for such a magnificent effort".

"The members of the Auxiliary work extremely hard to raise money for such a good cause."

These facilities make the hospital a more pleasurable environment for staff, patients and visitors," Ms Andrews said.

The auxiliary was always looking for new members.

It meets on the second Monday of each month at the Meals on Wheels auditorium in McMasters Rd, Woy Woy.

For more information, phone Chris Shebron on 4341 4323.

Alison Branley, Press release, January 7