In celebration of the National Volunteer Week (15 – 21 May 2023), hear from three of our incredible Auxiliary members about what motivates them to give back to support sick kids at The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH).

Alexa Black – President of SMILE (Supporting Miracles in Life Everyday) Auxiliary

How long have you been involved with the RCH Auxiliaries?
I have been involved with Auxiliaries since October 2022, initially a part of Roxburgh Park Auxiliary. On the 25th March 2023, SMILE Auxiliary was launched.

What motivated you to become an Auxiliary member and support the hospital?
SMILE Auxiliary stands for Supporting Miracles in Life Everyday and is inspired by my own daughter’s recovery from paraplegia, thanks to the amazing work of the RCH. In 2016, at the age of five, my daughter Isobel awoke one morning paralysed. The doctors at RCH found that Isobel had an arachnoid cyst on her spine that had compressed her spinal cord, causing significant neurological damage. At this time it was not expected that Isobel would ever walk again, but through the dedication of the RCH doctor’s, nurses and allied health team, Isobel’s recovery was nothing short of a miracle. It is due to this experience, and the similar experiences shared by families in our local community, that SMILE Auxiliary strives to support the hospital that does so much for so many Victorians.

What does being an Auxiliary member mean to you?
Being an Auxiliary member gives me the opportunity to give back to a hospital that has had a significant impact on my family. It also about connecting with other families. As an Auxiliary member you hear so many stories, from so many families. It is the sharing of stories that really forms our community.

Describe being an Auxiliary member in three words
Fun, friendship and gratitude

Patricia Greenwood – President of Werribee Ladies for Kids Auxiliary

How long have you been involved with the RCH Auxiliaries?
I have been involved with the Auxiliary for seven months, as President of Werribee Ladies for Kids Auxiliary

What motivated you to become an Auxiliary member and support the hospital?
I became involved with the Auxiliary because I wanted to do something useful and meaningful with my time in retirement.

What does being an Auxiliary member mean to you?
My Auxiliary membership means that even as an older person I can contribute to my community and help the future members of that community – our children.

Describe being an Auxiliary member in three words
Rewarding, educational and partnership

Wendy Hancock – President of Roxburgh Park Auxiliary 

How long have you been involved with the RCH Auxiliaries?
I have been involved with the Auxiliaries for 25 years.

What motivated you to become an Auxiliary member and support the hospital?
My four children and grandchildren have at one time or another spent time in the RCH, so I wanted to do something to give back.

What does being an Auxiliary member mean to you?
It means that I was able to give back to the hospital the care I received for my children and grandchildren. During my time I have met a lot of like minded people volunteering, which also adds to my experience.

Describe being an Auxiliary member in three words
Helping sick children