In celebration of National Volunteer Week, we’d like to thank the RCH Auxiliaries for their dedication in supporting the RCH. Meet some of these passionate Auxiliary members, learn about why they support the RCH and what it means to them.
Leah and Fred Bergman
CIKA Auxiliary
How long have you been involved with the RCH?
It has been over 20 years. We first become aware of how important the RCH was when our son Simon became sick and spent 18 months in and out of 6East (Oncology Ward) in the old hospital.
What motivated you to become an Auxiliary member?
At the time we were struggling with life in general and realised what a wonderful support the staff at the RCH had been. We thought we would like to find a way to give back to those that helped us during our time in the hospital system. A year after Simon passed away Sandra Lehrer (President of CIKA) asked us if we would join CIKA and we jumped at the idea. We have been involved with CIKA and the hospital ever since.
What does being an Auxiliary member mean to you?
We have always thought that you only get out of life what you put into it. Volunteering at the RCH has given us satisfaction in helping raise money to find possible cures for the many diseases that our children suffer from, and so that no other parents need to go through what we have suffered. This also helped us spiritually keep Simon’s memory in our hearts.
What is your favourite Auxiliary memory?
There are many memories that Leah and I have had over the last 23 years. Leah would be forever sourcing bargains or freebies for the CIKA stall and felt it was important to always listen to the mothers at the hospital and to offer a shoulder to cry on. We would volunteer at the CIKA Ball and help run various auction tables and fundraisers. In recent times, my favourite memories are of being on Main Street and speaking to the children before and after their medical appointments, they always put a smile on our face. Recently our granddaughter at her Batmitzvah (12th Birthday party) raise $5k by asking for donations to CIKA in lieu of gifts.
Jan Gilbertson
Parkville Auxiliary
How long have you been involved with the RCH?
I have been a member of Parkville Auxiliary for almost 13 years.
What motivated you to become an Auxiliary member?
I was motivated to join an auxiliary by my friend, Bev Noonan. She is a great role model and is so generous with her time and energy in helping various causes. Parkville Auxiliary were looking for new members and I was made most welcome. My four sons had all been treated at RCH and my niece was being treated for cancer at the time. I have always loved being around children and as I was no longer working, I had time to give something back to the community.
What does being an Auxiliary member mean to you?
For me, volunteering is a way to support a very worthy cause in the community and join a group of committed and like-minded people who have become friends for life. Whatever I have been able to give over the years, I have received much more in return. I’ve met some inspirational patients and their parents while working on the cart in Main Street and on pod sale days, they are firmly etched in my memory and encourage my continuing involvement.
What is your favourite Auxiliary memory?
My favourite memory of volunteering – where do I start, or rather finish! I love the “buzz” of setting up pods at 7.30am, especially with home baked slices, biscuits and Christmas hampers, and having customers eagerly purchasing before 8.00am. I enjoy the camaraderie of Auxiliary members during a busy market day and the satisfaction of counting the days’ takings, knowing that we will be able to assist in funding a project for an RCH Department. Seeing Jean’s beautiful knitted toys find homes with excited children and adults is a joy, knowing that the workmanship is appreciated. I could go on and on…
Marie Lee
Very Snuggly Quilts Auxiliary
How long have you been involved with the RCH?
I commenced making Very Snuggly Quilts in 2005. Since 2008, I have travelled around Victoria and Southern New South Wales holding approximately 40 community quilt making days each year. These days are important as they provide an opportunity for many women who are socially isolated to get together for the day and contribute to creating a quilt that will make a difference to a sick child.
What motivated you to become an Auxiliary member?
Growing up, I learnt to knit, sew and embroider from my mother who was a seamstress. I was also taught to help those in the community who needed assistance. Our family is blessed as the children across four generations have never needed the services provided by the RCH. It would be hard to imagine the stress and strain a family endures when a child has a chronic or life-threatening illness.
What does being an Auxiliary member mean to you?
Co-ordinating the making of Very Snuggly Quilts which are gifted to children with a chronic or life threatening illness lets the child and their family know that someone in the community cares. I continue volunteering as this program makes a difference and gives a purpose to many people. The Very Snuggly Quilt Auxiliary has approximately 500 contributors. Being a volunteer demonstrates that if we each do a little, it contributes to making a difference to so many people, often in ways that we never considered when we commenced an activity.
What is your favourite Auxiliary memory?
There are many great memories! Being a part of the RCH family has meant I’ve met many wonderful volunteers, many of whom I now count as my friends. I think my favourite moments would have to be seeing the smile on the child’s face when they are told that, yes, you may keep that quilt. Although the children do not chose the quilt, many times the quilt gifted suits the child that receives it.
Peter Murray
Cancer Crusaders Auxiliary
How long have you been involved with the RCH?
I have been volunteering for the RCH for approximately 20 years. I started by attending RCH functions with friends and was shown how beneficial Auxiliaries funds are to supporting the RCH and the sick kids of Australia.
What motivated you to become an Auxiliary member?
My wife Ruth was by this stage heavily involved so I could help her endeavours using my business knowledge. It was also something we could both do together improving the lives of others less fortunate than us by helping make sick kids better.
What does being an Auxiliary member mean to you?
Being a volunteer for the RCH means a lot to me personally. I enjoy working with a group of people who are as equally committed to improving the lives of children. The friendships I have formed and the satisfaction I receive by giving adds value to my life.
What is your favourite Auxiliary memory?
My favourite memory from volunteering would have to be our first Kids Day Out that Cancer Crusaders ran at the Melbourne Convention Centre. I was completely blown away by reaction we got to our activities that we ran and of course our balloon sales. I am very proud of the fact that we give children so much enjoyment and we could fundraise that amount of money in one day from $2 coins.
Gwen Bromley
Geelong Auxiliary
How long have you been involved with the RCH?
I joined the Geelong Auxiliary in February 2007. The following year I became President and stepped down 10 years later.
What motivated you to become an Auxiliary member?
I was already volunteering with two local charities. I saw a photo in the local paper of Geelong Auxiliary members celebrating their 30th birthday and picked up the phone to join.
What does being an Auxiliary member mean to you?
As a member of the Geelong Auxiliary team fundraising for the hospital, we know that every dollar helps the hospital to improve the lives of the young patients and their health outcomes.
What is your favourite Auxiliary memory?
Collectively I have so many. The new hospital opening in 2012; every trip I’ve made to the hospital for fundraising, Auxiliary meetings & celebrations; attending every Good Friday Event, even on Cunningham Pier for 2 years; growing our annual High Tea Event; being a team member at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show and more recently attending the Garden Reception at Government House to celebrate the hospital’s 150th Anniversary.