Main funding purpose: Area of greatest need

The story so far

Established in 1939, the Templestowe/Yarra Valley Auxiliary has been supporting the hospital for over 80 years. After hearing about the work of the RCH and its need for support as it grew, Templestowe residents, including many orchardists, decided to form the Templestowe Auxiliary in July 1939. It was renamed the Templestowe/Yarra Valley Auxiliary in 2023.

In the early years, fundraising consisted of jam appeals, cake stalls, dances, euchre (card) parties, gymkhanas, fairs and raffles. These days, stalls and Cuppa for Kids events are the main fundraisers. Several families involved in the Auxiliary, including the Beales, Blackies and Reads, have been multigenerational members. Dorothy Blackie was involved in the Auxiliary from the age of 13.

Dorothy’s mother Doris Beale was a founding member in 1939 and Dorothy helped transport fruit and vegetables from the local orchards to stalls and fetes and the hospital in Carlton. Doris was one of very few drivers in the area, and she drove a 1937 Willys utility which was used for orchard work. Dorothy Blackie was a member for 70 years and her daughter, Glenda, is the current Auxiliary President. Doris Read has been a member for 69 years and has been joined by her daughter, Julie.

The Auxiliary has raised over $1 million dollars and continues to support Platypus, the Surgical Ward, and has also funded equipment and research across the hospital. In 2019, it celebrated its 80th anniversary with an afternoon tea.

2023/2024 Auxiliary Report

We started our year with a magnificent Garden Party hosted by a friend of the Auxiliary. This event launched our name change to Templestowe/Yarra Valley, with members and special guests enjoying the gardens, sunshine and food.

Overall we have had an incredible fundraising year – our best yet! We held monthly stalls at the RCH, and were involved in a number of Market Days. In August, we worked with Lilydale Bowls Club to run a tournament which featured barefoot bowls, a sausage sizzle, a craft stall and a raffle. It raised a very pleasing $14,500. We also had a Pop-Up Shop at Bendigo Bank Croydon ahead of Easter and Christmas, and in March we were involved in the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show with Geelong and CasKids. Over five days we raised over $16,500. We also continued holding monthly stalls at Lilydale Marketplace, this year celebrating five years at the venue and over $40,000 raised.

We were very proud to fund $200,000 of vital equipment this year.

Office bearers

President: Barb Nicoll
Secretary: Maxine Chippendale
Treasurer: Raelene Trotter

Contact

Barb Nicoll

Phone
0412 837 660

Email
[email protected]