After 50 years of supporting patients, visitors and staff, today will mark the final day of operations of Canberra Hospital’s Auxiliary Committee.
Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the Auxiliary, made up of hard-working volunteers and a handful of paid committee members, has raised much-needed funds for hospital equipment, staff development and important clinical research.
“Today is a bittersweet day for the Canberra community. We say goodbye to a much-loved Committee, but we also celebrate the incredible work the team has done over the past half-century,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“Since its inception, the Auxiliary Committee has raised some $4.2 million for Canberra Hospital. This is an outstanding achievement and is much appreciated by everyone at Canberra Health Services and the broader community.”
Auxiliary membership unfortunately dropped significantly during the COVID pandemic, and the Auxiliary has been operating with fewer committee members than required under its Constitution.
From Monday 27 February the Canberra Hospital Foundation will take over operations of the shop, which was founded on 5 September 1972 and will remain in the main foyer.
“The Auxiliary Shop, which many patients and visitors would know very well, is more than just a shop. It’s a place where visitors are warmly greeted by volunteers on entering, where staff needing a sugar hit can buy a bag of red frogs, and where patients and loved ones can buy gifts,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.
“As well as the shopfront, the Auxiliary Committee has offered a range of other services over the years, including a library service, hospital guide service and a trolley service for patients.
“Thank you to everyone who has been involved in the Auxiliary Committee and as a volunteer over the 50 years of service to patients, visitors, staff and the community.”
