Life Membership for Val
Singleton Hospital Auxiliary treasurer Val Smith has been recognised with life membership for 25 years’ service to the organisation by the United Hospital Auxiliaries NSW.
Val is only the second person to receive the award with the late Peg Baskerville receiving her award in 1996.
While honoured to be recognised, the very humble Val said she doesn’t feel like she deserves it and has enjoyed giving her time to an organisation that makes such a difference to the hospital.
Val said she was encouraged to join Singleton Hospital Auxiliary in 1997 after her husband, Allan passed away.
“My dear friend Vera Smith thought I had a void in my life and needed to do something, so I came along to a meeting to see what it was like, and I’ve stayed,” Val said.
She has made many dear friends along the way and says that is the true reward.
“It is the people I work with and the assistance that we provide that makes it worthwhile,” Val said.
She has been treasurer of the organisation for the past three years, an executive position she also holds at Elizabeth Gates Aged Care and the NAA Ladies Committee.
The award was made two weeks ago at the United Hospitals Auxiliaries of NSW annual conference and Val was one of 12 recipients.
She says the role of the auxiliary has changed over the years and now it primarily raises funds for the hospital.
“Back in the day the members would even mend the sheets, so we have come a long way,” Val said.
The next fund-raising event for the auxiliary is a market stall in the hospital grounds on December 4. Anyone wanting to have a stall or to assist is welcome to contact the hospital.