They make up the Jerilderie Hospital Auxiliary, and they raise funds to purchase items for the comfort of hospital patients not covered by government grants.
But with a number of the group’s ageing members looking to retire soon, the group is at risk of folding if it cannot recruit new members.
Jerilderie Hospital Auxiliary president Joy Knight said a recruitment drive would also stave off volunteer fatigue, and said there needed to be a shake up in the executive.
“Our current executive has been doing it for 20 years and is ready to give it up, but there is just no one stepping up,” Mrs Knight said.
“There is a great fear that if we can’t enthuse younger members, as well as keeping our current and very helpful members, that we can’t keep the auxiliary going.”
While the auxiliary works mostly behind the scenes, Mrs Knight said it would be noticeable if its good work stops.
“In this year alone, the auxiliary has donated $10,000 worth of equipment to the hospital,” she said.
“We’ve provided them with two princess chairs and also a lifter - things that are not provided by the state government.”
“Over the past few years, we have provided furniture and assisted in the upgrading of the whole verandah at the Jerilderie Hospital.
“The Jerilderie Auxiliary has provided the Jerilderie MPS with lots of things over the years, and we fear that if we can’t find a new executive, we will not be able to continue.”
Mrs Knight said a particular skill required within the auxiliary is computer literacy.
Auxiliaries are increasingly required to complete their tasks through a number of different programs, but the existing membership is “not very technical”.
She said the auxiliary can be flexible to suit a new, incoming group of members.
She said the group would even consider changing its meeting times to suit the majority of members, particularly younger community members who still work full time.
“If it meant changing the meeting time, that’s all possible.
“But before we look at doing that, we need to have the people that are willing to come.
“When you’re sick you want to go to hospital, and you want the best facilities.
“That’s what the auxiliary provides.”
For more information, or to join the auxiliary, contact Mrs Knight on 0429 831 598.
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