Community Champions: Eloura Auxiliary Brightens Lives at Quirindi Care Services
Today, we shine a light on the Eloura Auxiliary, a dedicated group whose unwavering commitment to Quirindi Care Services (QCS) exemplifies community support and enhances resident care. Meeting on the second Tuesday of each month from February to November at Eloura, this small yet enthusiastic team channels their efforts into fundraising initiatives that directly benefit the lives of Eloura residents.
Central to their fundraising efforts are four annual raffles, generously supported by local businesses. Burke & Douglas Funerals, Quirindi Pharmacy, and Shaun Hamilton Funerals donate prizes for the Easter, Mother’s Day, and Christmas raffles respectively, while the Auxiliary itself organises a Father’s Day Raffle. These events not only raise crucial funds but also foster community spirit, drawing support from the Liverpool Plains and beyond.
Additionally, the Auxiliary’s membership with the Quirindi Arts & Craft Shop enables members to contribute homemade delights such as cakes, scones, jams, preserves, and handiwork. A portion of the sales from these donations directly funds the Auxiliary’s endeavours, a partnership underscored by a recent $1000 donation from the Quirindi Arts & Crafts Shop’s Community Donation Fund.
Through their diligent fundraising, the Eloura Auxiliary has significantly contributed to enhancing QCS and Eloura residents' quality of life. Their purchases of essential items like pressure mattresses, a camera, a mobile workstation, and art and craft supplies have enriched daily living and recreational activities alike.
Anne Scott, an Eloura Auxiliary Member with deep ties to the Quirindi district and extensive involvement in community groups, shares her perspective: "I have lived in the Quirindi district most of my life and have had involvement in various community groups and committees through work, church and in general. My connection with Quirindi Care Services has spanned many years, I have had a number of close relatives live there in their final years, including my mother. I was also a Board member with QCS for a number of years and I thoroughly enjoyed those years of involvement."
Anne continues, "I enjoy being able to support Eloura as the work is about community and care. It is rewarding to see that we can make a difference in the lives of the residents."
At the heart of the Eloura Auxiliary are individuals like Helen Curll, Dawn Ryman, Kay Pittman, and Heather Jenkins (pictured) whose dedication is complemented by the contributions of Wendy Upperton, Wendy Ferry, Val Smyth, Babs Donelan, Anne Scott, and Judy Purcell. Together, they exemplify a shared commitment to making a positive impact on their community.
The success of the Eloura Auxiliary not only highlights the generosity of local businesses and community members but also underscores the profound difference a dedicated group of volunteers can make. Their ongoing efforts help to ensure that Eloura residents receive the support and resources they deserve.
For those looking to support or join the Eloura Auxiliary in their mission, reaching out to Quirindi Care Services directly is a meaningful step towards fostering a brighter future for all residents of Eloura.
Photo of Auxiliary with lifter purchased from their latest fundraising efforts. Left to right: Kim Riley, Kay Pittman, Wendy Upperton, Helen Curll, Dawn Ryman, Judy Purcell, Heather Jenkins, Margaret Ingall, Val Smyth, Carmen Chad. Missing: Anne Scott, Babs Donelan, Wendy Ferry.
Auxiliary ladies
Heather Jenkins and Helen Curll, plus Tony Ham from the Quirindi Arts and Crafts Shop