As President of our Pink Ladies Auxiliary, Carole Thwaites is a well-known face at Peninsula Health.
“The most enjoyable part of my role is meeting people,” she says. “Whether that be someone who needs help finding their way or someone coming to buy something from our Pink Ladies kiosk.”
Finding out about the auxiliary through word-of-mouth after retiring from her work in childcare, Carole started volunteering at Frankston Hospital’s Pink Ladies kiosk in 2015. The kiosk is renowned for its friendly volunteers, knitted goods and freshly made sandwiches.
“I joined because I like to be busy,” explains Carole. “There’s always something going on. I had about three months at home after retiring and I couldn’t stand it. Volunteering and being around people help to keep me focused.”
In 2017, Carole became the auxiliary’s President. “Every day is rewarding,” she says. “I love being behind the counter. Everyone helps each other to make sure we stay on top of everything.”
Since its inception in 1968, the auxiliary has impressively raised more than ten million dollars for Peninsula Health. It is our longest running volunteer group. “We are very proud of what we have achieved,” adds Carole. “It is great having our kiosk open again, as it was a challenge finding ways to raise funds during COVID-19 lockdowns.”
When Carole isn’t volunteering, she loves to sew and knit. “I’m very crafty,” she says. “I knitted a few things for our Easter raffle here this year.”
If you are interested in becoming a Pink Lady or volunteer at Peninsula Health, we would be delighted to hear from you. To find out more, please visit: peninsulahealth.org.au/community-participation/volunteers-auxiliaries/ or contact our Volunteer Program Manager, Helen Wilson, on 9784 2674.