The role of hospital auxiliaries across the world varies, but the one thing they have in common is doing their best to help keep the institutions they advocate for, up and running in the best way possible.
After a year of COVID restrictions, the United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) branch of the Tweed Hospital has begun its activities again.
Vice-President, UHA Tweed branch John Mills says that the role of the Tweed Hospital Auxiliary is to raise money for the Tweed Hospital.
‘Last year we bought $170,000 worth of equipment. The hospital gives us a list and we try to see what we can pay for.’
‘The UHA operates statewide and we are one of the largest in NSW.’
The Tweed Hospital Gift Shop is open and operating with restricted hours. ‘Raffles are being held and stalls will appear in shopping centres. The annual fete will be in October.’
Trivia Night is one of the larger fundraising events
John says the upcoming Trivia Night is one of the larger events for the auxiliary and the hospital staff often organise a team to participate. ‘It gives a high profile to the event and the hospital staff.
‘It promises to be a great evening with a lot of fun. There will be games, raffles and lucky door prizes as well as trivia. All money raised goes to the purchase of essential equipment for the Tweed Hospital.’
‘COVID was appalling last year for many. We had our Gift Shop closed for a large part of that time and no personal service to patients – no newspapers and the famous trolley which visited every ward, every day.’
The branch’s annual Night Full of Trivia will be held on Wednesday April 14 at the South Tweed Community Centre (cnr. Heffron Street and Minjungbal Drive).
The cost is $10 per person and doors will open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. ‘COVID continues to provide some restrictions,’ says John. ‘Teams are limited to six people with appropriate distancing. Tables have to provide their own refreshments as the kitchen facilities will be closed.’
Bookings are essential for a number of reasons. The organisers must know the exact number of guests prior to the event because of COVID restrictions and places are limited to 140.
The Tweed auxiliary is always looking for new members. For further information or to reserve a table at the Trivia Night, contact John Mills on 0421 085 985.
‘This is the sort of event that our community should support,’ says John. ‘Sooner or later most of us will need the Tweed Hospital.’
