Pink Lady volunteers a big boon for Bello hospital Coffs Coast Coffs Coast - popup ad by News Of The Area - Modern Media - September 9, 2023 Outgoing Bellingen Hospital and Pink Ladies President Deb Anderson (left) and outgoing Treasurer Yvonne Thomas (right) with the volunteers who donated a vital signs monitor, theatre bed and comfy mattress overlay last year. With them is a very grateful Director of Nursing/Executive Officer, Lisa Slater (second from left). INCREASED numbers of hard working volunteers in the Pink Ladies Auxiliary at Bellinger River District Hospital has resulted in the group donating more than $18,000 worth of medical equipment. At the Pink Ladies’ recent AGM, outgoing president Deb Anderson revealed the amazing fundraising effort, driven by raffle ticket sales and profit from the popular United Hospitals Auxiliaries café, Mary’s Tea House. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au In the past year, the volunteers donated a patient sit-to-standing aid valued at $2100, fleece comfort throws costing $691 and a bladder scanner costing $15,442.20. Mrs Anderson said the year saw an increase in volunteer membership from 35 to 44, which she attributed to the enthusiastic efforts of Waveney Ayscough, a recent finalist in the Mid North Coast Local Health District Volunteer of the Year Award. The additional volunteers mean the café can stay open for longer, a bonus welcomed by staff and visitors. “I cannot praise the efforts of our volunteers enough,” Mrs Anderson told News Of The Area. “I extend a warm welcome to our new Pink Lady members, and thank everyone for volunteering, baking and bottling, rostering, accounting, ticket-selling, their cheerfulness and friendship.” After eight years at the helm, Mrs Anderson stepped away from the presidency to fulfil the branch secretary role, and Yvonne Thomas retired as branch treasurer after a remarkable 17 years in the role. Ms Ayscough was elected 2023-24 president and Carol Gibson is the new treasurer. Patron Nancy Hobson thanked both women for their outstanding service to the Bellingen community and its hospital. “Yvonne has given sterling service to the auxiliary and everybody here, your friends, are saying ‘thank you’ for your extraordinary effort,” Mrs Hobson said. “No organisation can function without good leadership and in Deb we have had someone who is the glue holding us all together.” Celebrating a decade of service, retiring branch secretary Jo Bathgate and Violet Preston, received their 10-year service badges from UHA of NSW North Eastern Regional Representative Dee Hunter. Another volunteer, Margaret White, received a special mention for her efforts in organising fundraisers such as the UHA street stalls and raffles. By Andrea FERRARI
