Coffs Harbour Health Campus General Manager Lydia Dennett (right) congratulates Pink Ladies' president Helen Mears on her Volunteer of the Year award.
Helen tickled pink to be named Volunteer of the Year
May 19, 2022President of the Coffs Harbour Pink Ladies, Helen Mears, has been named Volunteer of the Year in the 23rd Annual NSW Health Awards.
The award recognises the significant contribution of an individual to volunteering in NSW Health.
Helen has been a United Hospital Auxiliaries (UHA) volunteer at Coffs Harbour Health Campus for more than 40 years. She has tirelessly fundraised for medical equipment, staffed the hospital’s café and gift shop which generate funds for donations, and recruited, managed and inspired countless volunteers over the years.
“I feel very special and it’s just amazing – I can’t believe it,” Helen said on accepting her award.
“I’d like to thank all my lovely Pink Ladies that I work with, they make my job very easy.”
Helen was recognised for her extraordinary work alongside other outstanding NSW Health staff and volunteers from across the state via a virtual award ceremony that was livestreamed.
Mid North Coast Local Health District Chief Executive Stewart Dowrick congratulated Helen on her outstanding achievement.
“Under Helen’s leadership, the Pink Ladies have raised more than $3 million for Coffs Harbour Health Campus – an extraordinary effort,” he said.
“In addition to their incredible fundraising efforts, Helen and all our volunteers add immeasurable value through their kindness and generosity to our patients and visitors.”
NSW Health received 192 nominations for the 2021 awards which were delayed last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The awards highlighted the variety of innovative and sustainable health programs delivering significant outcomes to patients around the state.
To view the full list of recipients of the 2021 NSW Health Awards, visit the NSW Health website.