Main funding purpose: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The story so far
When Chris and Sophie Clarke’s daughter Maddie was born and admitted to the Butterfly Ward, the RCH’s NICU, she was given a one per cent chance of survival. Despite all the odds, and thanks to the care given by the doctors and nurses at the RCH, Maddie survived.
Following Maddie’s stay, Chris and Sophie were inspired to fundraise to provide equipment, resources and research for Butterfly. The Clarkes formed Celebration of Life in 2002 and three years later, it became an Auxiliary. It was renamed Neonate Mates Auxiliary in 2008.
To raise funds, the Auxiliary holds regular stalls at RCH selling a variety of donated goods. They also help out at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and the Good Friday Appeal.
The Auxiliary has sponsored NICU cots, as well as helping fund a state of the art communications system called Vocera, which allows medical staff to speak to each other hands-free from any part of the unit so that quick assistance can be provided.
2023/2024 Auxiliary Report
We have had an enjoyable year with new knitters, new members and working an average of two stalls per month, plus the Market Days. Our Market Days include lots
of laughs, coffees and making sure our merchandise is looking perfect.
We are all proud to be raising funds for the neonates and have lots of conversations with parents and families who love to buy our goods.
Our newest fundraiser in 2023 was the AFL Raffle and it was a great success – we look forward to a huge success again in 2024.
Office bearers
President: Judy Aussems
Secretary: Michele Porter
Treasurer: Sandra Aussems
Contact
Judy Aussems
Phone
0414 424 476
Email
[email protected]