Era ends as Calvary’s auxiliary runs out of puff

THE Calvary Hospital Auxiliary will be wound up on June 30, after raising more than $2.6 million over 44 years to buy equipment for Calvary Public Hospital.

It follows the retirement of the Canberra Hospital Auxiliary, which folded in February, after raising $4.2 million over its 50 years. 

Like Canberra Hospital, the Calvary auxiliary’s membership had dropped significantly.

Public officer Margaret Knock, 76, has been part of Calvary Hospital Auxiliary for 27 years and says, sadly, the membership is ageing.

“Unfortunately, we weren’t able to form a committee this year, so we had to make the hard decision to close down,” she says.

“It’s probably like a lot of things, it has run its course. There’s a time and a reason for everything.

“The reason I joined goes back to when I was young. I worked in a hospital, in the office, and we used to go and buy lunch from the kiosk and the ladies there were always lovely.

“I always sort of thought I would like to be involved in that, one day, and that is my reason, and it’s also about contributing and giving back to the community.

“It is sad, it’s hard to be closing down, it’s the end of an era, but I think we need to look at the positives and the fact that we have raised $2.6 million for the hospital.

“Both patients and staff have benefitted from that fundraising. We’ve been able to purchase items for the hospital because we know hospital budgets are stretched and medical equipment is very expensive. 

“We’ve been able to do things like give people gifts for Christmas, Mother’s Day, or for their first baby. It’s a nice feeling and people appreciate it and remember it.”
Its closing-down, clearance stalls, held recently in Zouki Foyer, were a last hurrah of success.

“We’ve sold lots, people have been really appreciative, and we’ve been able to clear a lot of stock, which is great,” says Margaret.

The clearance stalls earlier this month raised a further $8375 for Calvary. with all proceeds going towards buying medical equipment for the care and comfort of Calvary Public Hospital patients and staff.

“It was a good way for us to begin finishing up. We had about 30 members in the group in the end. Our numbers have been gradually dwindling for a few years now, but we sold pretty much everything we had left in stock,” says Margaret.

“It’s really a bit sad; it has sunk in properly now.”

Margaret says she has formed friendships throughout her time with the Calvary Hospital Auxiliary with both other members, patients and staff.

“I am still keen to keep supporting the hospital, and to help out in a volunteering capacity,” she says.

“I know friends in the group feel the same way. I have been doing auxiliary work alongside my husband, Russell. He’s the president.

“We’re hoping to be able to direct people who come into the hospital on where they need to go, or assist during meal times in order to keep supporting the staff and all that they do.”

Margaret says it’s good to do things together with friends she made in the group, and they’re thankful for the support of the hospital.

“The staff have always been supportive. They help us set up our tables and help us to pack up as well, so just because we’re closing doesn’t mean we’ll lose the connections we’ve made,” she says.

“Something else, like the Calvary Hospital Auxiliary, might evolve over time. The younger generation might do something, and they might do it differently, but that’s okay. I’m keen to see what happens next.”