St Kilda

St Kilda Auxiliary

Founded 1922
President: Mavis Pope OAM
Vice President: Val Davis OAM
Secretary: Kate O'Connor
Assistant Secretary: Imelda Labonne
Treasurer: Joh Kane

The St Kilda Story

The St Kilda Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts of yesteryear included anything from making the doctors’ gowns, and sheets and pillowcases to running annual stalls and working in the hospital canteen. Today their fundraising activities include stalls and raffles, Paddy’s Market, and working regularly in the Gift Shop. Their local council, community organisations and members provide them with regular support. The funds raised go towards funding items on the hospital’s Wish List. Jack Davis also donated copies of his book "Chrysler Car and Threepenny Ice Creams" to the Auxiliary gift shop, with all proceeds to St Kilda Auxiliary. The St Kilda Auxiliary also supports the Imaging Department.

We continue to be given wonderful support from Port Phillip council though the 85 years of co-operation and likewise, from Michael Danby MHR. Federal Member for Ports and his staff, especially from Tony Williams in more recent years. Our Honourary auditor is Alan P Walker, ACA Bcom.

We have presented a "Brief History of our Minutes" book, commenced in 1922 to the Archives Department of the RCH- they were delighted to receive it.

Marjorie Beaumont, who was associated with the RCH for over 40 years, passed away on 2nd December 2007 - Marjorie was the President of our auxiliary for 25 Years - 1981-2006 and would have received her 40 year badge this year.

Mavis Pope was Secretary for 28 Years - 1978-2006 and President from 2007. Mavis was awarded and OAM in the Australia Day awards 2008 for service to the community, in particular in fund raising activities supporting The Royal Children's Hospital.

Annual Report

Our fundraising this year included Stalls, Raffles and selling Tote Bags. We also spent time working in the Auxiliary Gift Shop. We attended Littlewood Functions, from which we receive an annual donation. The local council, community organisations and members provide the Auxiliary with regular donations.

We continue to be given wonderful support from Port Phillip Council through the 85 years of co-operation and, likewise, from Michael Danby MHR. Federal Member for Ports and his staff, especially Tony Williams.

It is with pleasure and delight that we report that our president, Mavis Pope, was awarded an OAM in the Australia Day awards 2008 for service to the community, particularly in fundraising activities for the Royal Children’s Hospital. Our honorary auditor is Alan P Walker, ACA Bcom.

It is with great regret that we report the passing of 5 members recently;

Marjorie Beaumont – a member for 42 years
Dorothy Homer – a member for 17 years
Eileen Ryan – member for 13 years
Peggy Barber – a member for 13 years
Les Giles – a member for 7 years

Honouring Mavis Pope OAM

There are many people involved in Auxiliaries who wear more than one hat when being an active member. Mavis Pope has been involved with Auxiliaries for thirty years. She is one of those special members who has devoted her time and talent not only to one Auxiliary, but two. Mavis first began her role in Auxiliaries through her daughter. Anne Maree Pope was a patient at the RCH within the first half hour of her birth and remained a patient at the RCH for 20 years. Mavis first joined the St Kilda Auxiliary in 1978 and OARA (Oesophageal Atresia Research Auxiliary) in 1981. She is currently the President of the St Kilda Auxiliary and remains an active member. She works tirelessly to make the trip into the hospital from Portarlington once a month to hold successful stalls.

Meeting the patients and the families is a special part of the work we do; sometimes they need to pour out their hearts. When you have been involved with the hospital as a parent of an ill child it makes it easier to understand their position because you have a fair idea of what people are going through. On the 26^th January 2008, Mavis was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia that reflects her dedication and commitment to a special cause. She was awarded for “her service to the community, particularly through fundraising activities supporting the Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne.” Mavis was inducted into the Inaugural Living Treasures Auxiliary in 2004. She has had many great achievements through her time with Auxiliaries, which include serving on the Auxiliary Executive for two years and receiving the Madge Tate Award in 1999.

Equipment purchased by St Kilda Auxiliary

Emergency Department
X-ray viewing screen and computer
$21,000
Radiology Department
Purchased picture frames, books, TV, DVD/VCR, & other Radiology equipment for the new emergency X-ray area in Memory of Ann Maree Pope.
$5,692
Over the years St Kilda Auxiliary has also raised $77,000.00 to purchase a Film Viewing system.

Last Updated 29-Sep-2008. Authorised by: Sue Manson. Enquiries: Sue Manson.