THE Frankston Hospital Pink Ladies Auxiliary is famous for its bright pink uniforms, friendly volunteers, record fundraising achievements and their delicious home-made sandwiches.
Peninsula Health’s longest running volunteer group is celebrating 50 years of service to the Frankston Hospital community.
“We have raised almost $9 million since we started, which is used to buy equipment for the hospital,” explains Pink Ladies President, Pauline Ellerby, who joined the group in 1992.
“We’ve helped buy all sorts of high-tech equipment, some of which has cost around $1 million.”
Anyone who has ever visited Frankston Hospital will have encountered the Pink Ladies delivering flowers, newspapers or at their renowned kiosk, where they sell food, coffee and an array of gifts.
“The sandwiches are certainly famous – when Health Minister Jill Hennessy came to visit recently she said I always remember the Pinkies’ Egg and Lettuce sandwich!” Pauline recalls.
Originally started by Edna Vincent, the wife of one of the hospital’s first doctors, the group has been recognised many times for its hard work – winning the 2014 Victorian Premier’s Volunteer Award in the Metropolitan Volunteer Team of the Year Icon category, and the 2010 Minister for Health Award for Volunteering in the Most Outstanding Team Achievement Award category.
Brendon Gardner, Chief Operating Officer of Frankston Hospital, says the 68 current members, as well as all of the past volunteers, have been a big part of the hospital over the last half a century.
“Congratulations to the Pinkies on 50 years of outstanding service.”
“Frankston Hospital would not be the hospital it is today if it wasn’t for their support helping us purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment which our team use to save lives, every day.”
This August, Peninsula Health is hosting a celebration in honour of the Pinkies. If you are a past Pink Lady, we would love to hear from you.
Please contact us on 9784 2674 or volunteers@phcn.vic.gov.au.