Teaming up: Goulburn Valley Hospital Extended Care Auxiliary’s Kay Mulcahy, Val Young, Norma Powles, Jan Cooper, Lisa Ladas, Lolene James and Madge Merrylees at Mooroopna Community Centre prepare for Givoni Fashion Parade.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The Goulburn Valley Extended Care Auxillary has been raising funds for the Mary Coram Unit and Grutzner House at GV Health for more than 60 years.
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Merle Carmichael, member and former assistant secretary of the auxiliary, is now receiving care at the Mary Coram Wing, for which she has raised money for the past seven years.
Having spent last month at the unit, she is regaining her strength to hopefully return home soon.
“I never realised how much care there is out there for people as they get older, it’s unreal really,” she said.
“They are marvellous here, with strokes, brain haemorrhages, all of those things; and just trying to get people to adjust back to life again.”
The group is still active in raising funds, even though many of its 16 members are well into their 80s.
Lolene James, secretary of the group for nine years, has now taken on the role of public relations.
She said that from events past, the auxiliary had plenty of experience in raising money, and having fun while doing it.
“We’re a pretty happy bunch,” she said.
“It’s most rewarding as we donate equipment to each of those wings that the government doesn’t provide. They put in their wish list, and we try to do it equally between them.”
“It’s amazing to think that some of the equipment in there is donated by us.”
Party time: Secretary Julie Duffy, vice president Lyn Ford and PR manager Lolene James at a celebration.
Theatre luncheons and fashion parades have been two of the fundraising activities the group has had success with over the years.
The next event it will hold is a Spring Fashion Parade by Black Pepper on Wednesday, September 13, at 1pm.
There will be a Devonshire afternoon tea, raffles and doors prizes.
The parade will be held at the Mooroopna Community Education Centre,23 Alexander St, Mooroopna.
Tickets are $25 and available at Mimma’s Hairdressing, 14 Wyndham Mall, Shepparton, or by phoning vice president Lyn Ford on 0427 283 331.
The money will go to the Grutzner Wing and Mary Coram Wing.
The group meets on the first Monday of the month at the Shepparton Club and welcome new members.
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