Bendigo Health hosted a lunch for about 80 auxiliary members last week as part of International Volunteer Day and Christmas celebrations.

Combined auxiliaries president Beth Benbow congratulated the various auxiliaries on their wonderful efforts.

"Their efforts are highly valued by Bendigo Health and hopefully they enjoy their fundraising," she said.

"As with all auxiliaries we can always do with more people to help us.

"We'd love to get younger ones in but it's always difficult.

"But those volunteers are very, very dedicated to what they're doing.

"This lunch is the hospital's way of thanking the auxiliary members."

Bendigo Health boasts nine different auxiliaries: the Bendigo Palliative Care  Auxiliary; Child and Adolescent Unit Auxiliary; Carshalton House Auxiliary; Friends of Golden Oaks; Friends of Oncology; Friends of Simpkin House; Intensive Care Auxiliary; Joan Pinder Nursing Home Auxiliary; and Orthopaedic Auxiliary.

Bendigo Health Foundation director Jane Anderson said the contribution of auxiliary members is valued throughout and enhances the organisation.

“Their tireless work throughout the year raises funds that purchase a range of equipment and other goods to enhance the patient care at Bendigo Health,” she said.

“So whilst these volunteers may not always be visible, their contribution, enthusiasm and passion for the cause is very highly regarded and does not go unnoticed.

“Our auxiliaries at Bendigo Health continue the great tradition of raising funds for their chosen specialist areas and we thank them for their continued support.”