Glenda Fraser is the President of Templestowe Auxiliary, and was previously secretary for 16 years. In 2019, she was awarded the Madge Tate Award.

Glenda Fraser was predestined to be involved in the Templestowe Auxiliary, it was part of her DNA. With her grandparents, parents and husband involved, Glenda grew up living and breathing the Auxiliary and now passes the baton to her own children.

Glenda’s grandmother, Doris Beale, was a founding member of the Auxiliary in 1939 and Glenda’s mother Dorothy Blackie joined at just 13 years of age. She was a member for 70 years before she passed away in 2012; making her the longest serving member of Auxiliaries. Glenda’s father, Don, was also actively involved from 1951.

“I’m proud to be a third generation member and part of our wonderful Auxiliary whose members are passionate about fundraising, but also have fun doing it. I can remember when I was little, growing up in Templestowe, my grandmother and mother were dedicated to organising functions and raising money, and they were always enjoying themselves. It was then I knew I wanted to continue the family tradition,” said Glenda.

“I joined the Auxiliary in 1982 and the family tradition has continued with my husband, son and daughter helping with sausage sizzles, afternoon teas and garden parties.”

Glenda’s daughter Monique often donates items for raffles, attends functions and with 11 month old daughter Florence regularly visits the auxiliary members on the monthly stalls at RCH and attends the Immunisation Department. Florence is currently involved in a campus clinical trial – ensuring the family tradition of involvement will continue for another generation.

Originally Templestowe Auxiliary started out raising money to buy equipment for the Platypus Ward, but their fundraising efforts now support projects right across the hospital. In the past the Auxiliary has funded a surgical treatment trolley, ultrasound equipment, orthopaedic traction equipment, and a treatment chair for the Day Medical Unit and Day Cancer Centre to name a few. The Auxiliary is currently directing funds towards the purchase of an infant radiant warmer and two video endoscopes.

“There have been many highlights, however to me and the members, the greatest thing has been being able to meet and converse with the parents and patients and to see them using the equipment you have helped fund. Last year we visited the Platypus Ward where we had recently purchased some orthopaedic traction equipment and we got to meet a young boy who was using the equipment; that was very heart-warming for us all,” said Glenda.

“You can hand over money, but to be able to identify where it’s going makes it more tangible. That’s why we do it, to help improve the quality of lives of sick children.”