The Royal Adelaide Hospital Auxiliary turns 100 in February 2025 and is a significant achievement. For a century, the auxiliary has played a vital role in supporting the hospital through fundraising efforts, which have contributed to various aspects of patient care, research, and hospital development.
This anniversary is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the hard work and dedication of the many volunteers and supporters who have helped the organization make such an impact. It’s also a chance to reflect on the progress and advancements in healthcare that the funds raised have contributed to over the years.
The Beginning
Lady Moulden’s (a local philanthropist) proposal in June 1924 to establish the hospital auxiliary was a visionary step towards creating an ongoing, community-based support system for the Adelaide Hospital. Her idea to sell refreshments, toiletries, and handicrafts was not only practical but also a way to provide comfort to patients and visitors while raising funds to improve hospital services.
At the time, this approach was quite innovative. It combined volunteerism with a direct way of helping the hospital’s operations and patient experience. It also allowed people from the community to contribute to the hospital’s mission, fostering a sense of connection between the hospital and the wider public.
Over time, the Auxiliary’s role expanded as it continued to raise funds, with its efforts proving indispensable to the hospital’s ongoing success. This initiative was ahead of its time in recognizing the power of community-driven healthcare support.
Our aim is not only to provide linen for the wards but to give something that cannot be bought, and that is human interest. We want the public to show its sympathy, for that will make a tremendous difference to the patients and staff”
Lady Moulden, 26th December 1924
The story of the Royal Adelaide Hospital Auxiliary’s early days is truly inspiring! Officially formed in February 1925, its humble beginnings in a small cabin by the main gate of the hospital show just how dedicated the first volunteers were. Starting with a small but dedicated group of volunteers, the Auxiliary became a true grassroots initiative. The fact that they made cakes and jams in their home kitchens adds a personal and heartfelt touch to their fundraising efforts.
It’s also remarkable how the sewing machine company Singer donated six machines. This not only helped the Auxiliary increase the scale of their efforts but also symbolized early community partnerships. The ability to purchase linen through their fundraising shows how resourceful and committed the volunteers were in meeting the hospital’s needs.
This ingenuity and spirit of volunteerism laid the foundation for the Auxiliary to grow into a more organized and substantial force for good in the community.
New Kiosk
The donation from Miss AF Sheridan’s estate in November 1925 was a pivotal moment for the Royal Adelaide Hospital Auxiliary. The ₤2,500 was a generous and significant contribution. This enabled the Auxiliary to build a permanent kiosk on North Terrace, which, incredibly, still stands today. This marks a testament to both the foresight of the Auxiliary’s founders and the enduring support from the community, which continues to impact the hospital to this day.
The kiosk became a central hub for the Auxiliary’s fundraising efforts. It allowed them to continue selling the donated items—cakes, jams, toiletries, and handicrafts—in a more established and consistent manner. With the money raised, the Auxiliary was able to purchase specialized equipment and provide other services that directly benefited the patients at the hospital, improving their care and comfort.
What stands out about this era is how the Auxiliary’s fundraising was not just about raising money, but about making a tangible impact on patient care. Their work helped provide essential resources for the hospital. This was at a time when public healthcare systems were still developing and in need of community support.
The Future
When the hospital moved to the Port Road site the kiosk and Auxiliary had a cake to farewell the kiosk and North Terrace site.
The Auxiliary continues today in the Royal Adelaide Hospital known as SaRAH’s Gift Shop, where it continues what was set out 100 years ago by selling good to support the patients and their families. Lets continue to support this wonderful organisation for another 100 years.
Take a look at some of the souvenirs they have been sold through the auxiliary https://healthmuseumsa.org.au/2025/01/souvenirs-and-gifts-from-keyrings-to-keepsakes
Written by Kellie Branson, CALHN Health Museum