The Yass Hospital Auxiliary garage sale was held last weekend to raise funds for Yass Hospital. Yass Hospital Auxiliary. Publicity Officer Mrs Eleanor Fogarty said the event was “very successful and full of fun.” Auxiliary member Mrs Pamela Ranyard hosted and organised the event, with many other Auxiliary members rolling up their sleeves to assist with the fundraising efforts.
Alongside these efforts, generous donations of goods by Yass and District communities were critical to the event’s success. During the garage sale, a raffle was held, with both first prize, a beautiful ceramic potted succulent, and second prize, wine and glasses set, won by Trish Clarke. Julie Ross won third prize and gained a hand-towel & soap pack. “We look forward to holding future events based on the positive feedback,” said Mrs Fogarty. The next Yass Hospital Auxiliary Garage Sale will be held on Saturday 13th August, at 9 Haddon Court, Yass. The event will commence at 9:30 am and close at 2:30 pm.
Organiser Mrs Ranyard encouraged the community to donate as that will keep the garage sale events continuing, but advised that the Hospital Auxiliary has decided not to accept clothing and it should be donated to the local op shops or Circle of Friends. “The group have agreed to hold another sale and I am seeking donations to boost our goodies for sale.” Mrs Ranyard said. “It will be my pleasure on behalf of the Yass Hospital Auxiliary group Garage Sale Fundraiser to present the monies raised to the Treasurer of the group which in turn will go towards the purchase of essential equipment for our hospital.” If you would like to donate, Pamela Ranyard can be contacted through Facebook messaging.
“We raised about $1100. At the moment we’re waiting for the next item on the wishlist from the hospital. We’ve just bought an ultrasound, so that was worth around $37,000.” Auxiliary President Mrs Jean Frost advised. “How it works is that the hospital comes up with a wishlist of what they want, then they get it approved and tell us how much it costs, then we either say alright, we can do that, or, we’ll come back to you when we have the money.”
The Yass Hospital Auxiliary also caters for the Yass Music Club concerts as another avenue of fundraising for much-needed hospital equipment. Mrs Frost advised that there will be another Music Club Concert coming up in August.
Attending the event were Yass locals, including several families who dropped in with little children to look at the wide array of children’s toys and books for all ages, as well as bric-a-brac and homewares. “They had something for everyone,” said Mrs Frost.
“There were some things that were really highlights, there was an early 1900s cane outdoor setting that was donated by a family from Gunning, and that got a lot of attention,” said Mrs Fogarty.
For those wondering why the Auxiliary chose a garage sale as their method of fundraising, Mrs Fogarty shares the interesting reason: “Auxiliary member, Mrs Pamela Ranyard, proposed the Garage Sale as a fundraising event. Pamela’s late husband, Mr Phillip Ranyard, who was a well-known local identity, spent much time over the years receiving caring and supportive treatment at the Yass District Hospital. Phillip sadly passed away in January 2022, and Pamela inherited a shed full of his equipment, which included his industrial sewing machine and horse-related items. Phillip spent over 40 years mending horse rugs for Yass and District, which was his hobby, passion and happy place. Recently, Pam thought that she would like to bring Phillip’s shed back to happier times,” explained Mrs Fogarty. ‘“This was truly reflected on the weekend of the garage sale, with many friendly and cheery people supporting the Hospital fundraiser.”
The Yass Hospital Auxiliary has around 15 to 20 regular members. “We’re always looking for new members,” Auxiliary President Mrs Frost encouraged. “Our next General Meeting will be held on the 1st of August.” The Yass Hospital Auxiliary’s meetings are regularly held in the downstairs conference space at Yass Hospital, but this can be subject to change should there be a Covid-19 concern at the hospital. Community members are welcome to attend, and should there be a location change, Secretary Leisa Doggett, Publicity Officer Eleanor Fogarty or another Auxiliary member will be able to help. Mrs Fogarty can be contacted on 0420 900 144.
Southerly Jones
