AFTER more than 30 years of working for the Bloomfield and Riverside Hospital Auxiliary, selling raffle tickets in all types of weather, and putting herself before others, Sister Mary Trainor has been honoured with life membership of the United Hospital’s Auxiliaries of New South Wales Inc.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
“This is such an honour - but this award isn’t just for me,” she said.
“Although we are a small group and rely heavily on selling raffle tickets because we don’t have something like a kiosk to raise funds, I am very proud of the group of people in the auxiliary who work so hard.”
Sister Mary was the chaplain at Bloomfield Hospital when former Orange City councillor the late Joyce Hawkes called a public meeting in the early 1980s to gauge interest in setting up an auxiliary to support patients.
“In those days, as is the case now, once a person’s pension was used to pay for their care there wasn’t a lot of money left over for them,” said Sister Mary.
She said over the years fundraising has helped buy ‘comfort’ items for residents of Bloomfield including CD players, DVD players, and a Wii console.
“Over the years we have also been involved in fundraising to ensure every resident of Bloomfield received a gift at Christmas, purchased in conjunction with consultation with staff.
“We also organise Easter goodies as well,” said Sister Mary.
“Our goal is always to enhance the comfort of the clientele and bring a little bit of pleasure into their lives,” Sister Mary said.
During the week Bloomfield Hospital hosted a thank you luncheon for Sister Mary attended by staff members.
janice.harris@fairfaxmedia.com.au
