“I would feel a lot better if I could just comb my hair.” This wish came from a man admitted to Hutt Hospital’s Medical Assessment and Planning Unit while Mary Estcourt was visiting. “I was able to tell him I had just brought some combs into the ward as part of an emergency pack, so his wish was granted.”
Mrs Estcourt is the president of Hutt Hospital Women’s Auxiliary which handles the logistics of getting practical donations from the community to patients and their families. The volunteers provide hand-knitted clothes for babies in the special care unit, handmade soft toys, magazines, children’s clothes, Christmas presents and emergency packs of essentials like toothbrushes and combs.
The group has been running since the 1940s but its work seldom gets recognised by the recipients with its members not usually seeing the gifts being distributed. “You do it for the joy of giving and for the people contact,” explains fellow member Mary Driver.
Gifts are donated by Hutt Valley community groups, some of which have a representative on the auxiliary, including the Taita RSA, the Association of Anglican Women, the Catholic Women’s League and the Soroptimists.
“I always say to hospital staff to let me know if they need something extra for patients. We might not be able to provide it but we have a wish list,” says Mrs Estcourt. At present, children’s beanies and monetary donations for the auxiliary to supply Easter gifts next year are all on the wish list.
The 13 member group is always glad to hear from anyone interested in joining the group. Age is no barrier with most members being “well” past retirement age. The only pre-requisite is having the time to volunteer. Practical or monetary donations are also welcomed from individuals or local businesses. For further information contact dmestcourt@paradise.net.nz.
From left: Mary Estcourt and Mary Driver from the Hutt Hospital Women’s Auxiliary with donated hand-knitted toys, clothing and emergency packs
