Members of the Groves Hospital Volunteer Association (GHVA) were honoured for their commitment to fundraising and service to the hospital at the foundation’s 80th anniversary celebration luncheon on Nov. 18 at the Fergus Legion.
Medical chief of staff Dr. Patrick Otto credited the foundation for its many years of “remarkable” and “strong” service.
“Perhaps that’s remarkable and going stronger,” Otto said of the GHVA and its members, whom he described as showing the benefits of “excellence in service through volunteerism.”
Calling the group a “silent, strong supporter” of the hospital and its staff, he noted the foundation continues to raise money to improve services provided at Groves.
“How much has the association plowed back into our system?” he asked. “Millions, simply millions … ever present, ever helping in so many ways.”
Centre Wellington Mayor Joanne Ross-Zuj congratulated the foundation and its members on their anniversary and noted the work members have done and continue to do.
“We thank you for everything you do,” she told those attending the luncheon. “Centre Wellington is fortunate. Thank you for volunteering in our community.”
Hospital board chairman Paul Smith said, “The amount of time you give in support of the hospital is astounding.” He said he knows the foundation’s fundraising efforts can be counted on as work on a new hospital progresses.
“We look forward to building a new hospital and we look forward to working with you on that,” Smith said.
Hospital CEO Jerome Quenneville also thanked GHVA members for their fundraising work.
“It’s so great to see the dedication and support,” Quenneville said. “Knowing 80 years has gone by, this is only beginning. You have a strong tradition working in our community.”
GHVA president Ann Ironside mentioned the group’s $80,000 donation to the hospital, made during the anniversary ceremony. The donation is above the $183,000 already raised this year through the foundation’s hospital gift shop and New to You Shop.
“I think you guys are amazing and it all goes to an amazing hospital,” Ironside told the members. “I’m extremely proud of everything we do. We also receive a lot of support from the community in the form of donations.”
Ironside said the association is always looking for new members and volunteers.
The GHVA elected its 2013-14 board of directors at the event on Monday, and also honoured members with certificates and pins marking the length of time they have worked for the group.
Three-year certificates were received by Linda Curtis, Suzanne DeBoer, Janis Durban, Debbie Gauthier, Ann Ironside, Jane Jaremey, Judith Jereb, Bill Kenny, Diane MacNeill, Lori Ann McMullen, Marion Morrison, Linda Paul, Mary Peltz, Margaret Plue, Rhonda Quenneville, Janine Smith, Amber Tah, Lou Timmins and Carolyn Vodarek.
Five-year pins were given to Hilly Beaukema, Sue Dalton, Chris Dalton, Elena North, Grace Eisen, Glenise Ladd, Carol Lillie, Rene Louter, Ellen Martin, Jane Schickerowsky, Linda Shaw, Ina Sikkema and Audry Vollick.
Members receiving 10-year pins were Marie Beaudry, Mary Ann Hollett, Huguette Hutchinson, Cathy Maggs, Margaret McDonald, Shirley Robertson, Chris Taylor, Sandra Whalley, Barbara Williamson and Doreen Wilson.
Evelyn Cleghorn and Annie de Witt received 15-year pins and Lenora Arbuckle was the recipient of a 20-year pin.
Lifetime volunteers with over 25 years of service were Henny Broersma, Marion Brown, Muriel Gass, Luella Lockhart and Ina Van Grootheest.
