For many years the Mater Hospitals have enjoyed the support of the dedicated and passionate women who make up the hospitals’ auxiliary groups. These women work tirelessly to raise funds for patient care.
Mater Adult Hospital Auxiliary
Since forming in the 1970s, the Mater Adult Hospital Auxiliary has raised more than $500,000. According to the Mater Adult Hospital Auxiliary president, Mrs Terry Pender, the group is as dedicated today as they have ever been to raising funds in support of public patients. “To raise the much-needed funds, the group coordinates a variety of very successful and much anticipated social events. The highlight of many a social calendar is our annual St Patrick’s Day Concert and our morning tea at the Tattersall’s Club,” Mrs Pender said. The success of these well-establish events can be attributed to the strong community contacts of the group’s members and their hard work. The group secures an amazing range of donated goods and services for their special events.
Mater Mothers’ Hospital Auxiliary
The Mater Mothers’ Hospital Auxiliary, originally called the Nurses Amenities Group, was formed to raise funds for nurse education and facilities by a group of women whose daughters were undertaking nurse training at the Mater. The group changed their focus and name after they were approached to raise funds for the first Mater Mothers’ Hospital.
Today, a dedicated group of women, twenty strong, meet on the first Wednesday of each month to organise a roster for the Baby Shop. Some of these women have personally contributed over 30 years to the Auxiliary. June 2008 saw the opening of the new Mater Mothers’ Hospital, and a new shop location in a prime position in the foyer. In addition to the shop, funds are raised through their legendary cake stall and other successful fundraising activities.
Mater Private Hospital Redland Auxiliary
Since 2004 the Auxiliary has raised funds for the Mater Private Hospital Redland to purchase incidentals that are needed by staff and that will make life easier for the patients. Each year we organise at least four fundraising events. The aim is to hold two big and two small fundraising functions a year and build stronger relationships within our Redlands community and the greater Mater community. In May, we organise a Race Day at Doomben, which is the beginning of the Winter Carnival. This is a tremendous success and is now a regular feature in the calendar.