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{ "Scugog's Community Newspaper of Choice" PORT PERRY STAR - Tuesday, February 20, 2001 - 1 Auxiliary members put heart and soul into hospitals Auxiliaries and hospi- tals go 'hand-in-hand. Almost every hospital in Ontario is supported by an auxiliary, and Lakeridge Health, with its sites in Port Perry and Uxbridge, is no exception. "The women of the Hospital amazing to me because of the amount of volunteer time and effort they dedi- cate to fundraising," says Cindy Lister, executive director of the Community Memorial Hospital Foundation. "They are such a vibrant and lively group and make a large contribution each year, anywhere between $20,000 to $50,000, which is put towards new equip- ment." Plans are already in the making to commemorate the auxiliary's 50th anniversary next year. For 16 years Pat Taylor of Port Perry has been a volunteer with the auxil- iary. "I'm part of a team effort," she says. "We've got a real good bunch of girls, and we do have a lot of fun." These days Mrs. Taylor has been busy selling those funky mittens - you know the kind - that has the long string attached so they won't get lost. Auxiliary members and friends knit over 200 pairs and sold them to the stu- dents at the local high schools and Durham College. Baby booties are knit- ted by volunteers, and some of the ladies still clicking the needles are over 90 years old. "They are amazing," said Mrs. Taylor. For the past 16 years Mrs. Taylor and volunteer colleague Camille Crozier have decorated these cute little booties. Every baby born at the New Life Centre receives a pair of booties from the auxiliary. Special occasion toques, decorated by Gwenyth Thompson, are also given to babies born on Valentine's Day, at Easter, Christmas, New Year's and so on. Currently volunteering as the New Life Centre representative, Mrs. Taylor says the auxiliary is now working to raise funds for an isolette. Future fundraising events will include an auction, a spring lun- cheon, tag days, bake sales and a diminishing tea. Mrs. Taylor recalls one project that went over so well, people still give towards it. In 1992/93 the auxiliary successfully completed a Auxiliary are Volunteers such as Pat Taylor devote thou- sands of hours each year to fundraising efforts for Lakeridge Health Corp. hospitals. Their pro- jects, which include running the hospital gift shop and carrying out other fundraisers, help purchase much-needed equipment. project to collect a million pennies ($10,000). "The public generously gave then, and is still giv- ing today," said Mrs. Taylor. "We've got over $12,000. It's amazing." All funds - including those earned at the gift shop, dubbed "Camille's Corner", in honour of Mrs. Crozier's tireless volun- teer efforts at the hospi- tal, and auxiliary fundrais- ing projects - goes towards new equipment. Just last month the auxil- iary donated $12,000 to purchase an omni retrac- tor to be used for abdom- Che "Providing trusted financial advice and ot finan Thank you to all Scugog Volunteers -- and our own group including Janet Howsam CIBC Port Perry 145 Queen Street Tel: 985-4444 + Fax: 985-9471 inal surgery. "We've bought a lot of equipment, and it's all been through our volun- teer efforts," said Mrs. Taylor. The gift shop, staffed since 1969 by dedicated volunteers from the com- munity as well as the aux- iliary, has remained a financial success. The auxiliary also pre- sents bursaries to stu- dents of the two local high schools who are going to pursue a career in medi- cine. Mrs. Taylor thoroughly enjoys her volunteer work. "If you have any free time, it's a great way to spend it," she said. The Uxbridge Hospital Auxiliary has also been busy. This organization of community women was formed in 1954, even before the hospital opened its doors. " "They felt that when the hospital was built it would be beneficial to have a group available to assist in the day to day functions at the site," said Lynda Norman, director of public relations for the Lakeridge Health Uxbridge Auxiliary. "When the hospital did open in September 1959, there was an eager group of women all set to go to work." And work they have. Since 1985, the auxiliary has raised in excess of $l million for the 30-bed Uxbridge hospital through raffles, bazaars, dances, lottery calendars and much more. Each year a bursary is also presented to a stu- dent attending Uxbridge Secondary School who intends to pursue a med- ical career. In the 1999-2000 year, volunteers from all departments at the Uxbridge hospital put in a total of 20,503 hours. eda. CI WANN ICR CTAN RB] = \ RRS] M =D TORO Come in and see our Toro Tractors and Lawm Mowers. Financing available O.A.C. RIDING .., LAWNMOWERS Book your spring service now and avoid line-ups later! 1223 King St., Manchester (905) 985-9909 Friends, Our volunteers are the heart and soul of Lakeridge Health. During times of tremendous change as we've experienced in the last year or two, our volunteers' daily efforts and dedication go a long way in making our hospitals caring and compassionate centres of quality healthcare. By sharing their time and warm smiles, they help our staff and physicians meet our goal of putting Patients First. Our volunteers, men and women, from teenagers to seniors, serve with distinction in a wide variety of roles, from direct contact with patients to using their skills on our Board, Foundations and Auxiliaries. They are equal parts fund-raiser and friend-raiser. Lakeridge Health has a vision of a better, healthier tomorrow for our friends and relatives in Durham Region. And our volunteers are essential in helping us make that dream a reality. They make it possible for Lakeridge Health to offer Durham residents quality medical care in a community-oriented setting. The Board of Trustees and I are proud to be part of Lakeridge Health's volunteer corps. I offer my personal thanks to each volunteer for his/her efforts past and future. Sincerely, Ee Zn Chair, Board of Trustees CORPORATION Patients First