Main funding purpose: Cardiology Department

The story so far

Heart to Heart Auxiliary was established in 1989 by a group of volunteers at the RCH, including Pam Burch and Judy Lundy, to support heart patients at the hospital. The pair were approached by Dr John Wilkinson, who suggested they might like to establish an Auxiliary to support patients who were to have major cardiac surgery.

In the beginning, Pam and Judy worked with other members to make dinners for parents of cardiac patients, which were stored in a freezer donated by Kelvinator, and entertained families with day trips to holiday houses at the beach.

Their support soon turned to fundraising and over the years they have held many successful Cuppa for Kids events. The first was held at Parliament House and more recently has moved to the Windsor Hotel. Catering for various groups including the Quilting Association, the Taxation Department, Melbourne Water and Customs was another profitable fundraiser, while shopping tours and movie days were popular. Members have also supported the Auxiliaries Gift Shop and held stalls at RCH, local markets and shopping centres.

Funds raised by the Auxiliary have allowed the purchase of vital equipment including a heart lung bypass machine, defibrillator monitor and oxygen analyser. They have also supported the Heart Throb Auxiliary’s annual camps with regular donations.

The Auxiliary has two members who are recipients of the Madge Tate Service Award – Olive Cooper who received the award in 2005 and the late Phyl Brown who received it in 2013.

Office bearers

President: the late Phyllis Brown
Secretary: Val Wright
Treasurer: Jo Scully