BINGO and raffles run by the Nambucca Heads branch of the United Hospital Auxiliary have resulted in a donation of $20,934 of medical equipment to Macksville District Hospital.

Celebrating a successful year at its annual general meeting, Mid North Coast Local Health District representative Sharon Fuller said, “Our entire Macksville Hospital team is indebted to the Nambucca Heads UHA branch for its amazing support.

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“The donated trauma bed and Ambu aView monitor, which helps medical staff to see into difficult airways, are vital pieces of equipment making big improvements to patient care at Macksville,” she said.

“We can’t thank the Nambucca community enough for supporting the UHA, which in turn supports our staff and patients.”

Branch President Michelle O’Keefe, who returned unopposed to the role, told News Of The Area, “The local Nambucca Heads United Hospital Auxiliary (UHA) has been running bingo to raise money for much-needed hospital equipment now for countless years.

“In the past eight years, our committee has raised close to $140,000.

“That money came from around 45 players who come along to Nambucca Heads RSL each Wednesday from 10.30am to show their support, play bingo, and to have a chance at winning our progressive jackpot,” she said.

Each week, as well as bingo, the UHA runs a raffle, along with a monthly cake raffle.

“Throughout the year, we run numerous raffles for Australia Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Halloween, Christmas etc,” said Michelle.

“After all, the more raffles we have, the more money we can give to the hospital.”

While drumming up money is taken seriously, the UHA members have fun along the way.

“We have a few of our bingo players who love nothing more than to dress up and play the part, for Halloween and Easter.

“At the end of the day though, if it wasn’t for our committee of volunteers, our bingo players, and the Nambucca RSL Club we wouldn’t be able to raise the thousands of dollars each year for the Macksville Hospital that we do, nor would we have anywhere to come together each week to run bingo.

“On behalf of myself and our entire committee, I would like to express our most sincere thanks to everyone involved, including local community volunteers, and many of the local businesses who kindly help along the way by donating gifts and vouchers to add as prizes for our various raffles,” said Michelle.

Another guest Dee Hunter, the UHA’s North Eastern Regional Representative, also praised the branch for its remarkable resilience, cohesion and determination.

“I couldn’t be prouder of your achievements this year,” Dee said.

“You continue to make a remarkable contribution to our local hospital and the health and welfare of our community.”

Branch Secretary Patty Barns was returned for her third year in the role and Keith Parkins agreed to another year – his eighth – as Treasurer.

He will be assisted by Jo Parsons, who has also served eight years in the role.

Maureen Novis was returned as Vice-president and Judi Belbin is Assistant Secretary.

By Andrea FERRARI