Joy Wilkinson has been volunteering at the new hospital with the auxiliary since it opened five years ago.
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She’s one of 350 volunteers who were thanked by Orange Health Service for their contribution.
The hospital auxiliary helps raise money for equipment and supplies which aren’t provided through state government funding.
“It could be one of our family members in the hospital which need this equipment,” Mrs Wilkinson said.
“We never know when we might need it.”
Judy Curtin has spent eight years with the auxiliary and said new volunteers were always welcome.
“We need a lot more volunteers do to a few hours each day,” she said.
She said there were some simple reasons why she donated her time.
“If you look at how much money the auxiliary raises and what it goes towards … there’s friendship and a nice social atmosphere.”
Orange Health Service general manager Catherine Nowlan said volunteers made the difference for the community and for the region which uses the hospital.
“Whether it’s making a cup of tea for a patient in chemotherapy, or re-stocking a storeroom or serving a grill sandwich from the cafe, the human donation of compassion, time and empathy that demonstrates who lucky we are,” Ms Nowlan said.
“The wealth of community is measured in many different ways, it’s not just money but how we care for each other.”
The volunteer groups at the hospital include; Blue Ladies and Men, Grandparents Group, Spiritual Care, VIP Group, Wayfinders, the hospital auxiliary, Friends Assisting the Community, Premi Babes, Cancer Service Volunteers, Cardio Pulmonary volunteers and the Orange Health Council.