A SPECIAL occasion was held this week as the Atherton Hospital Auxiliary handed over its final cheque to the newly formed Atherton Friends of the Hospital Foundation.
The auxiliary members have merged with the newly formed Friends group, with the mutual aim of locals supporting locals.
Atherton Friends president Di Williams hosted a lunch to pay special tribute to the Auxiliary members, who have raised more than $650,000 since 1992, mainly through its weekly Bingo.
“We’re delighted to receive the final cheque from the Auxiliary group for $90,558.09. The funds they raise through bingo at the Atherton International Club and the hospital trolley, will now go directly into the Friends account where it will join with other fundraising donations to make an even bigger difference,” Ms Williams said.
“We’d like to pay a special tribute to these Auxiliary members who give up their time week in, week out, to help others.”
She particularly mentioned Louise DeMarzi, Julie Arbouin, Dorothy Bew, Raymon DeMarzi, Hazel Christensen, Beverly Prescott, Jill Kingston, Dale Roger-Jones, Anne Novelly, Josie Raso, May Maidment, Wendy Ballie and Dina Folino-Gallo.
Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation chairman Dr Ken Chapman and Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service chairman Clive Skarott AM were pleased to attend the lunch and give thanks to the hard working Auxiliary and now Friends members.
All funds raised by the Auxiliary and now the Friends group, stay in the local community to provide equipment to improve patient outcomes in Atherton.
Over the years funds raised have contributed to chemotherapy chairs, patient chairs, washer/dryer for patient use, education equipment for diabetes and community health education, bladder scanner, fold-up beds for carers, resuscitation trolleys for Emergency and specialist equipment for theatre and paediatrics.
The Friends of the Foundation is an active volunteer group with the aim of assisting the Foundation in its objective to improve health outcomes in the Far North. The Foundation is a registered charity with DGR status, which means all donations over $2 are tax deductible.
To contact the Atherton Friends group, telephone Ms Williams on 0409710962.
