Inverloch Auxiliary raises $250,000 cancer funds
xBradInverloch_2624 six pics BradAux1_2624 Bass Coast Health’s Jess Jude, Anna Kenny and Erin Passarin show the amazing new ultrasound bought with a donation from the Inverloch Fundraising Auxiliary to Auxiliary members Klaus Edel, Terry Hall and...
AN ENTHUSIASTIC group of volunteers at Inverloch has raised $250,000 for cancer care at Wonthaggi Hospital in just four years, supported by the generosity of the community.
The Inverloch Fundraising Auxiliary held fundraising events, sausage sizzles and raffles, sought donations, and sold hand-made beanies and greeting cards to collect the funds for the L. Rigby Cancer Centre at the hospital, operated by Bass Coast Health (BCH).
The auxiliary most recently raised $60,000 for a state-of-the-art ultrasound machine for the L. Rigby Cancer Centre and other departments at BCH.
The ultrasound helps staff to make a diagnosis and find veins in chemotherapy patients whose veins become difficult to locate due to having multiple cannulations for treatment. The ultrasound will also be used for the installation of Central Venous Access Devices in patients needing intravenous medication delivery long-term.
The Auxiliary’s President Gerry Surridge said: “It’s important to note that without the generosity of local people, we could not have done what we have to help more people receive treatment locally.”
Coincidentally, auxiliary member Terry Hall benefited from the ultrasound after experiencing a medical episode.
The ultrasound enabled BCH staff to make a quick diagnosis and he returned home from hospital the same day.
BCH CEO Jan Child said the auxiliary’s fundraising feat was impressive, especially given the challenging economic times the community is facing.
“For us to be able to provide state-of-the-art services we need the commitment of the community and the Inverloch Fundraising Auxiliary,” she said.
“The fact our staff now have the highest level of diagnostic equipment – the same type of equipment that exists in Melbourne hospitals – is due to the efforts of the auxiliary.”
The auxiliary members are Gerry and Kathie Surridge, Kaye Jones, Jan Dawes, Terry Hall, Bill Damm, and Ron and Hazel Missen.
The auxiliary and community donors were thanked by BCH at an afternoon tea at Wonthaggi Hospital. Stay tuned for further information about a major fundraiser the auxiliary is holding later this year.
