Street stall postponed as aged volunteers struggle

Woy Woy Hospital Auxiliary's scheduled September street stall will be postponed to November due to a number of unforeseen circumstances, according to public relations officer Ms Pat Harding.

Ms Harding said craft and baked goods sold at the street stall would still be available to buy at the Woy Woy Hospital kiosk each weekday between 10am and 2pm.

"Unfortunately there are several reasons which have led us to cancel our regular street stall fundraiser," Ms Harding said.

"The most significant obstacle we have found is not having enough stock to sell.

"We are finding it harder to keep up the demand of handmade stock not only because of the popularity of items but also since our members are getting older and finding it hard to knit and bake.

"It is also proving more and more difficult to transport the stall sale items from the kiosk to Umina as many of our volunteers are in their 80s.

"We still have a strong contingent of volunteers but as time goes on and we all get older it is getting tough.

"It would be great to see younger volunteers coming through and joining the Auxiliary.

"But even retirees in their 50s and 60s who have worked all their life and look forward to relaxing and taking it easy aren't volunteering like they used to.

"It is also hard when many young people do not know how to knit and bake."

Ms Harding encouraged local residents looking to give up a few hours each week and help out in their local community to give volunteering a go.

"The Auxiliary welcomes all members of the public to join our team of volunteers," Ms Harding said.

"The Auxiliary has also applied for a new street stall permit outside the new Woolworths supermarket in Umina after the closure of Flemmings.

"We are waiting to hear back from council if we are successful with our application."

Woy Woy Hospital Kiosk is located along Ocean Beach Rd, Woy Woy.

For more information about joining the Auxiliary, contact Pat Harding on 4341 3866.

Clare Graham, 7 Sep 2010 Interviewee: Pat Harding, Woy Woy Hospital Auxiliary