the RCH Auxiliaries

Celebrating 90 years of community fundraising in 2012

The Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne (RCH) is supported by a vibrant and dedicated network of Auxiliary groups. Made up of over 1000 volunteers from all over Victoria, they are an incomparable force in community fundraising.

Celebrating 90 years in 2012/2013 and having raised over $38 million dollars for the hospital since 1922, the Auxiliaries’ are wholly devoted to their mission: ‘One team working towards one goal – making sick kids better.’

With creative entrepreneurship, a strong spirit of giving, and drawing on the talents of thousands of individuals and businesses, we raise funds in a myriad of ways and hold dear many special causes.

The first Auxiliary was formed at a meeting on 21 July 1922.  40 women attended the first meeting.  By 1929, twenty-two Auxiliary groups had formed all over Melbourne. Now, the RCH Auxiliaries are a strong network comprising of more than 1000 dedicated members.

Many of the women involved have been volunteer fundraising for the hospital for 30, 40, 50 60, and in one case, even 70 years.  The Auxiliaries' 90th Anniversary is a special occasion to celebrate these amazing contributions to community service.

Throughout 2012 and 2013, the Auxiliaries are holding a number of special events to commemorate and celebrate their outstanding achievements supporting Australia’s leading children’s hospital.

Auxiliaries play an important part in fundraising across the areas of  research, leadership and training, technology and equipment, patient and family centred care and the hospital's 'wish list' items.